Polymer matrices for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

Carbon fibers (CFs) have high service temperature, strength, and stiffness, and low weight. They are widely used as reinforcing materials in advanced polymer composites. The role of the polymer matrix in the composites is to provide bulk to the composite laminate and transfer load between the fibers. The interface between the CF and the resin matrix plays a critical role in controlling the overall properties of the composites. This paper aims to review the synthesis, properties, and applications of polymer matrices, such as thermosetting and thermoplastic resins.

Synthesis and application of epoxy resins: A review

“…Their properties depend on the specific combination of the type of epoxy resins and curing agents used [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Because of their excellent mechanical properties, high adhesiveness to many substrates, and good heat and chemical resistances, currently epoxy resins are intensively used across a wide range of fields, where they act as fiberreinforced materials, general-purpose adhesives, high-performance coatings, and encapsulating materials [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25].…”

Preparation and characterization of carbon fiber-reinforced thermosetting composites: a review

“…Thermosetting resins are easy to process and laminate. Examples of thermosetting resins used in CFRP composites include cyanate ester resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyimide resins, and vinyl ester resins [33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43].…”

Exploration of Epoxy Resins, Hardening Systems, and Epoxy/Carbon Nanotube Composite Designed for High Performance Materials: A Review

“…Prileschajew in 1909 discovered epoxy resin. The pre-polymer which have low molecular weight containing more than one epoxide group is epoxy resin [25] (Fig. 8).…”