Effect of Fiber Mass Fraction on Microstructure and Properties of 2D CF-GO/EP Composite Prepared by VIHPS

Abstract

Graphene is often used to improve interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy resin (CF/EP) composites. It is still a challenge to improve the toughness while maintaining the in-layer properties. In this study, 2D graphene oxide carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrix (2D CF-GO/EP) composites were prepared by a vacuum infiltration hot-press forming experimental system (VIHPS), and three-point flexural and end notch flexural (ENF) tests were carried out. With the increase of the fiber mass fraction in the composites, the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness (GIIC) layers decrease gradually, and the bond property between the fiber and matrix interface layer becomes worse, because the accumulation of dense fiber bundles reduces the matrix penetration ability of cracks. However, the flexural properties increased first and then decreased, and reached the best flexural properties at 64.9%. When the fiber mass fraction is too high, the interlamellar bonding properties will decrease, and the fiber bundles will compress and affect each other. The delamination phenomenon will occur between the layers of the composites, which affects the overall bearing strength and stress limit of the composites. The results of the study show that the composites prepared by VIHPS have excellent mechanical properties, and the content of carbon fiber plays an important role in the influencing factors of the interlaminar and in-layer properties of composites.

Improvements in Mechanical and Shape-Memory Properties of Bio-Based Composite: Effects of Adding Carbon Fiber and Graphene Nanoparticles

“…As a consequence, delamination occurred due to fiber-matrix debonding in the case of the 70 wt.% CF specimen. The decrease in the interlamellar bonding properties could be explained by the fibers compressing against each other, obstructing efficient stress transfer [28]. As can be observed in Table 1, the flexural strength and modulus of the neat Vfa/ECO were determined to be 27.69 MPa and 0.55 GPa, respectively.…”

“…As a consequence, delamination occurred due to fiber-matrix debonding in the case of the 70 wt.% CF specimen. The decrease in the interlamellar bonding properties could be explained by the fibers compressing against each other, obstructing efficient stress transfer [28].…”

Effect of graphite oxide content on shape memory performance of graphite oxide‐carbon fiber hybrid reinforced shape memory polymer composites by VIHPS

“…When the process parameters and forming process are not controlled properly, the specimen is very easy to produce fiber warpage, delamination, holes and other defects, which seriously affect the successful preparation of SMPC with microstructure and performance expectations. For the shape memory composites formed by VIHPS, the research team has made a detailed study on the preparation process parameters in the early stage, which greatly reduces the probability of initial preparation defects of the composites under a certain extrusion pressure, temperature and vacuum 12,13 …”

“…For the shape memory composites formed by VIHPS, the research team has made a detailed study on the preparation process parameters in the early stage, which greatly reduces the probability of initial preparation defects of the composites under a certain extrusion pressure, temperature and vacuum. 12,13 Using VIHPS to prepare SMPC with ideal performances and obtain good infiltration structures are the basis for preparing GO-CF hybrid reinforced SMPC. However, there are some problems with the flow process of resin matrix with nano-scale GO in unidirectional fiber bundles.…”