Temperature‐dependent inter‐laminar fracture behavior of waste short carbon fiber embedded glass fiber/epoxy composites

Abstract

Delamination is one of the life‐limiting failure modes for fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite composites resulting in poor damage tolerance, as this failure mode occurs at considerably lower loads. Owing to the enormous demand and mass production of FRP composites, a large amount of fiber waste is produced worldwide. This triggers concern about utilizing these fiber wastes for some valuable applications. The present study aims to improve the overall damage tolerance of laminated glass/epoxy composites via the introduction of waste short carbon fibers (SCFs) reinforcement in the epoxy matrix. The effect of various SCF contents (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%) in glass fiber/epoxy composites were evaluated experimentally for their interlaminar fracture toughness in terms of both crack development and propagation under mode I and II interlaminar fracture toughness tests, at elevated temperatures (30, 50, and 70°C). Based on the experimental results, glass/epoxy composite with 0.1 wt% of SCF revealed 13.49% and 20.45% increment in mode I and II interlaminar fracture toughness, respectively, at ambient temperature. A positive reinforcement effect could be noticed for GIC and GIIC values up to 50°C. However, due to residual interfacial stresses, interfacial debonding, and epoxy softening, a negative reinforcement effect could be noticed at 70°C. Delamination initiation and crack propagation mechanisms have been explored at elevated temperatures. Fractographic studies have been carried out using a scanning electron microscope to identify the failure mechanisms.

Designing a 3D structure and a self‐healing technique for advanced polymer composites with outstanding mechanical properties and healing ability

“…[11][12][13] Therefore, improving the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of FRPs and healing the damage are key issues for enhancing the service life of composites. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Previous studies have shown that developing a nanoparticle-modified matrix with improved toughness can enhance the mechanical properties of FRPs, 21 since the matrix is a key component of composites that can dominate the toughness of FRPs. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28] For example, Park et al 22 used ozone-treated single-walled carbon nanotubes to toughen carbon-fiber (CF)-reinforced epoxy (EP) composites, and the ILSS and fracture toughness of the composites increased by 79.98% and 54.59%, respectively.…”