Experimental evaluation on the synergistic effect of PC/ABS/DGEBA blend in fracture toughness enhancement of CFRP composites at cryogenic temperatures

Abstract

The current study confirms that modified carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have higher fracture toughness than unmodified CFRP composites achieved by exploiting the synergistic effect of a polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blend in toughening the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin. The CFRP composite specimens are tested at near cryogenic temperatures using TMA, DMA, and microcrack analysis to determine the best‐suited concentration of ABS in the PC/ABS blend. TMA and DMA results, as well as microcrack analysis at cryogenic temperatures (CT), confirm that the blend 90/10 is effective in reducing the brittle nature of DGEBA resin and increasing bond strength, resulting in the fracture toughness enhancement of CFRP specimens at CT. Further investigation of 90/10 modified CFRP (90/10 m‐CFRP) and unmodified CFRP specimens using Mode II fracture using ENF test and SEM analysis reveal significant reduction in brittle characteristics of matrix with increase in elongation at failure and fracture surface morphologies confirm nano web‐like structures bridging the CF layers, proving to improve fiber/matrix bond strength. This study concludes the effectiveness of hybrid PC/ABS blend in synergistically‐modifying DGEBA resin for improved fracture toughness of CFRP laminates across a wide temperature range (−150°C to 150°C).

Durability of the liquid rubber‐modified CFRP‐steel interface under freeze–thaw cycles

“…Over the last few decades, a significant number of steel structures have undergone deterioration, attributed to a combination of corrosive environments and inadequate maintenance, rendering them incapable of meeting requirements 1 . The utilization of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates to reinforce steel members has garnered notable interest owing to their high strength, 2–4 lightweight, 5–7 installation flexibility, 8 and exceptional durability in corrosive environments 9–13 . Although several studies have been conducted to explore the short‐term behavior of FRP‐reinforced steel structures, 14–16 there is a research gap concerning its long‐term performance and durability aspects.…”