Recent advancements in interface engineering of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites and their durability studies at different service temperatures

Abstract

A point of major concern in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites is the interface between the carbon fibers (CFs) and the polymer matrix, which acts as the weakest link. Researchers have tried to work around this drawback by modifying the fiber or the matrix via the addition of nanofillers or using chemical treatment methods. In this review, the progress made in the last decade for enhancing the mechanical performance of CFRP composites by applying the aforementioned methods has been covered. Another aspect of CFRP composites that has limited their adaptability is their susceptibility both at sub-zero and at elevated temperatures. In the later part of this review, the co-relation between different service temperatures and the various mechanical properties of CFRP composites and has been elaborated upon. A better understanding of temperature dependent mechanical response would empower us to tailor the properties of CFRP composites depending on the in-service temperature conditions.

A study on graphene reinforced carbon fiber epoxy composites: Investigation of electrical, flexural, and dynamic mechanical properties

“…In this context, graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and carbon black have become attractive nanomaterials as the reinforcement agents in polymer nanocomposites, [3][4][5][6][7][8] and as the filler materials in CFRP composites. [9][10][11][12] Graphene, when compared to CNTs, has a higher specific surface area, higher compatibility with the polymeric matrix, and unique two-dimensional honeycomb lattice structure, [13,14] and therefore has a higher potentiality to contribute mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of CFRP composites. In the recent works, it was shown that graphene-filled polymer matrix or graphene functionalized fiber surface in CFRP composites improved the fiber-matrix interface resulting in enhanced conductivity and mechanical strength.…”

“…In the recent works, it was shown that graphene-filled polymer matrix or graphene functionalized fiber surface in CFRP composites improved the fiber-matrix interface resulting in enhanced conductivity and mechanical strength. [9,15] Also, highly conductive graphene skinned CFRP composites were demonstrated as the promising materials because they offer tailoring electrical properties of the conductive mesh for lightning protection. [16,17] Qin et al [18] reported that flexural strength and through the thickness conductivity of graphene coated carbon fiber (CF)/epoxy composites were increased by a factor of 82% and 165%, respectively, as compared to those of non-coated CF/epoxy composites.…”

Tensile and shear behavior of plain weave fabric carbon fiber reinforced polymer at elevated temperatures

“…[12] Some researchers have tried to improve the temperature resistance by adding nanofiller, chemical treatments, modifications in matrices or the fiber surfaces. [13,14] Although, there are several research works which have studied about the behavior of FRP, specifically CFRP and glass-FRP (GFRP), at elevated temperatures, the databases about all different types of polymeric resins, fiber reinforcement methods, manufacturing and curing methods, are incomplete. [2,11,[14][15][16][17][18][19] Therefore, the mechanical behavior of FRP at elevated temperatures must be studied comprehensively.…”

Effects of in‐situ cryogenic testing temperature and ex‐situ cryogenic aging on the mechanical performance of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites with waste short carbon fibers as secondary reinforcements

“…The inherent strength of the SCFs contributed to the matrix strength and thus the strength of the composite. [71] Similarly, SCF in the epoxy matrix toughened the matrix by delaying crack propagation via various mechanisms such as crack pinning and bifurcation and other toughening mechanisms such as SCF pullout. [72][73][74][75] These strengthening and toughening effects of SCFs were carried over to CT, but the effects were diminished.…”