scholarly journals Preparation of High-Performance Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites by Compression Resin Transfer Molding

Materials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeyu Sun ◽  
Jie Xiao ◽  
Lei Tao ◽  
Yuanping Wei ◽  
Shijie Wang ◽  
...  

To satisfy the light weight requirements of vehicles owing to the aggravation of environmental pollution, carbon-fiber (CF)-reinforced epoxy composites have been chosen as a substitute for traditional metal counterparts. Since the current processing methods such as resin transfer molding (RTM) and compression molding (CM) have many limitations, an integrated and optimal molding method needs to be developed. Herein, we prepared high-performance composites by an optimized molding method, namely compression resin transfer molding (CRTM), which combines the traditional RTM and CM selectively and comprehensively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rotational rheometry were performed to optimize the molding parameters of CRTM. In addition, metallurgical microscopy test and mechanical tests were performed to evaluate the applicability of CRTM. The experimental results showed that the composites prepared by CRTM displayed superior mechanical properties than those of the composites prepared by RTM and CM. The composite prepared by CRTM showed up to 42.9%, 41.2%, 77.3%, and 5.3% increases in tensile strength, bending strength, interlaminar shear strength, and volume fraction, respectively, of the composites prepared by RTM. Meanwhile, the porosity decreased by 45.2 %.

2012 ◽  
Vol 510 ◽  
pp. 753-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Cao ◽  
Li Pan

In the present investigation, resin transfer molding has been used to produce high quality carbon fiber epoxy composites and nanotube-reinforced carbon fiber epoxy composites. To study the influence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on improving the mechanical properties and fatigue life, the tension-tension fatigue test has been carried out on those two kinds of material in the fiber direction. The damage mechanism in the fiber directions was analyzed by X-ray radiography and electron microscopy. The results show that CNTs pulled out, rapture and bridged cracks during the test, the results also show that CNTs possess an obvious potential on improving the property of carbon fiber epoxy composite, especially for properties that dominated by matrix.


2017 ◽  
Vol 742 ◽  
pp. 263-270
Author(s):  
Stefan Pichler ◽  
Günter Wuzella ◽  
Thomas Hardt-Stremayr ◽  
Arunjunai Raj Mahendran ◽  
Herfried Lammer

In the present work it is shown that the resin transfer molding (RTM) is a beneficial technique to manufacture natural fibers into high-performance natural fiber composites. At first, three different types of weaves were produced by using low-twist flax yarns and standard-twisted flax yarns. Laminates based on the weaves and a petrochemical derived epoxy thermoset were fabricated by RTM process. For each laminate different numbers of plies (4, 5, 6, and 7) were used to achieve a broad range of vf (from 32 % up to 55 %) which are having a pore volume fraction, vp, as low as possible (min. 0.7 % - max. 2.7 %). For the laminates, flexural properties in warp and weft direction were determined (ISO 14125) and the effect of respective yarn type on flexural properties was investigated. The best properties were achieved for the laminate based on weave2 with vf = 55 % (strength=303 MPa, modulus=19.3 GPa). When laminates were tested again after half of the year the modulus and strength were reduced, but the strainincreased. The laminates were immersed into a water bath (ASTM D570) to test the influence of vf and vp on the water absorption behavior. The maximum water uptake (4-7 wt.-%) and the maximum thickness swelling (3-12 %) were observed for the samples with higher vf. Laminates based on weave1 were immersed again into the water bath to investigate the extent of deterioration of flexural properties with respect to water absorption at various time intervals. The laminates were tested immediately after removing from the water bath and after re-drying.


2020 ◽  
Vol 847 ◽  
pp. 81-86
Author(s):  
Ahmed Ouezgan ◽  
Said Adima ◽  
Aziz Maziri ◽  
El Hassan Mallil ◽  
Jamal Echaabi

Relaxation-compression resin transfer molding under magnetic field is a new variant of VARTM (“vacuum assisted resin transfer molding”) process, which uses a flexible magnetic membrane controlled by a magnetic force, in order to govern the relaxation and compression phases by changing the permeability of the fabric preform. Thus permits to the resin to enter easily into the mold and to increase the resin impregnation velocity and the fiber volume fraction. This innovation is based on the application of the TRIZ theory (“the theory of inventive problem solving”), which allows us to answer to the shortcomings and the conflict links exist inside the VARTM processes. The objective of this paper is to present this new process and to study the effect of the current intensity and the separated gap between the flexible magnetic membrane and solenoid on the permeability of the preform.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1024 ◽  
pp. 267-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dody Ariawan ◽  
Zainal Arifin Mohd Ishak ◽  
Razaina Mat Taib ◽  
Mohd Zharif Ahmad Thirmizir ◽  
Y.J. Phua

This study evaluates the performance of nonwoven kenaf mat reinforced epoxy that was fabricated by vacuum resin transfer molding method. Kenaf mats were formed by carding and needle punching technique at 50 cm2 sticthing density and 1.5 cm penetration depth. The specimens were prepared from different volume fraction of kenaf mat and epoxy resin, which consist of 18% kenaf mat/ 82% epoxy resin and 27% kenaf / 73% epoxy resin. Tensile and compression properties were studied at 0o, 45o and 90o needle punching direction. The tensile properties increased with the increase of composites volume fraction and were decreased with the increase of needle punching direction degree. On the other hand, the compression properties of composites were reduced with the increase of volume fraction and needle punching direction degree. The composites properties were affected by the orientation and interlocking of fiber caused by needle penetration in direction of depth and movement direction.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
R. Volponi ◽  
P. Spena ◽  
F. De Nicola ◽  
L. Guadagno

A very interesting field of research on advanced composite materials is the possibility to integrate new functionalities and specific improvements acting on the matrix of the composite by means of a nanocharged resin. In this way, the composite becomes a so-called “multiscale composite” in which the different phases change from nano to macro scale. For example, the incorporation of nanoscale conductive fillers with intrinsically high electrical conductivity could allow a tailoring of this property for the final material. The properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT) make them an effective candidate as fillers in polymer composite systems to obtain ultralight structural materials with advanced electrical and thermal characteristics. Nevertheless, several problems are related to the distribution in the matrix and to the processability of the systems filled with CNT. Existing liquid molding processes such as resin transfer molding (RTM) and vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) can be adapted to produce carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) impregnated with CNT nanofilled resins. Unfortunately, the loading of more than 0.3-0.5% of CNT can lead to high resin viscosities that are unacceptable for such kind of processes. In addition to the viscosity issues that are related to the high CNT content, a filtration effect of the nanofillers caused by the fibrous medium may also lead to inadequate final component quality. This work describes the development of an effective manufacturing process of a fiber-reinforced multiscale composite panel, with a tetra-functional epoxy matrix loaded with carbon nanotubes to increase its electrical properties and with GPOSS to increase its resistance to fire. A first approach has been attempted with a traditional liquid infusion process. As already anticipated, this technique has shown considerable difficulties related both to the low level of impregnation achieved, due to the high viscosity of the resin, and to the filtration effects of the dispersed nanocharges. To overcome these problems, an opportunely modified process based on a sort of film infusion has been proposed. This modification has given an acceptable result in terms of impregnation and morphological arrangement of CNTs in nanofilled CFRP. Finally, the developed infiltration technique has been tested for the manufacture of a carbon fiber-reinforced panel with a more complex shape.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Nhan Thi Thanh Nguyen ◽  
Obunai Kiyotaka ◽  
Okubo Kazuya ◽  
Fujii Toru ◽  
Shibata Ou ◽  
...  

In this research, three kinds of carbon fiber (CF) with lengths of 1, 3, and 25 mm were prepared for processing composite. The effect of submicron glass fiber addition (sGF) on mechanical properties of composites with different CF lengths was investigated and compared throughout static tests (i.e., bending, tensile, and impact), as well as the tension-tension fatigue test. The strengths of composites increased with the increase of CF length. However, there was a significant improvement when the fiber length changed from 1 to 3 mm. The mechanical performance of 3 and 25 mm was almost the same when having an equal volume fraction, except for the impact resistance. Comparing the static strengths when varying the sGF content, an improvement of bending strength was confirmed when sGF was added into 1 mm composite due to toughened matrix. However, when longer fiber was used and fiber concentration was high, mechanical properties of composite were almost dependent on the CF. Therefore, the modification effect of matrix due to sGF addition disappeared. In contrast to the static strengths, the fatigue durability of composites increased proportionally to the content of glass fiber in the matrix, regardless to CF length.


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