Tensile properties of cristobalite‐filled epoxy resin

Abstract

The effect of raising and lowering the temperature on the tensile properties of cristobalite spherical particle‐filled epoxy resin (CPTCL/EP) was investigated, and the fabrication of cristobalite fiber and its fiber‐reinforced plastic (FRP) was attempted. For the CPTCL/EP, the process of raising the temperature above the temperature at which the coefficient of thermal expansion of cristobalite suddenly changes (220°C) and then lowering the temperature to room temperature degraded the matrix and caused tensile residual stress in the matrix; however, interfacial adhesion between the matrix and filler improved. In other words, the tensile strength of CPTCL/EP was not reduced by this process, but rather improved. In contrast, the tensile strength of cristobalite fiber‐filled EP (CFIBER/EP) was significantly lower than the theoretical value owing to cracks in the fiber caused by dunting during fabrication of the fiber. Thus, the fabrication method needs to be further improved.