Thesis
Mechanical performance of Kevlar fabric/carbon nanofiber modified epoxy composites made via vacuum assisted resin transfer molding
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2012
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/104274
Abstract
Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites are rapidly becoming the material of choice for many applications including aerospace, automotive and energy generation (e.g. windmill blades) due to their excellent mechanical properties and low density when compared to that of metal or pure polymer components. FRP composites also increase component life as they offer high fatigue resistance and significantly reduced susceptibility to corrosion. However, application of FRP components in advanced structures has been limited due to some inherent problems with the materials. Fiber surfaces especially those of organic Kevlar fibers are considered to be chemically inert resulting in fiber reinforcement to matrix compatibility problems. Additionally, the inter-laminar polymer matrix dominated regions of FRP composites are the weaker of the constituents and most susceptible to crack propagation. Consequently, the majority of studies looking to improve structural capabilities of FRP composites focus on these inter-laminar polymer matrix regions. One of the more successful techniques used to improve the inter-laminar matrix region performance is through the addition of carbon nano-fillers. In this study, we apply a CNF modified epoxy resin which acts not only as a high performance polymer matrix but also improves wettability and adhesion at the Kevlar fiber matrix interface. The concept is first introduced in Chapter 2 in which untreated Kevlar fabrics v are infused via the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) technique with CNF modified epoxy. The resulting nano-modified Kevlar FRP composites show excellent increases in mechanical properties. In chapter 3, a novel surface treatment to Kevlar fibers is combined with CNFs to improve wetting and interfacial strength at the Kevlar fiber / matrix interface. The treated Kevlar fabrics are then infused with the CNF modified epoxy resin. This study yielded only moderate improvements in mechanical properties along with large inconsistencies in results.
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Details
- Title
- Mechanical performance of Kevlar fabric/carbon nanofiber modified epoxy composites made via vacuum assisted resin transfer molding
- Creators
- Brady Michael Deacon
- Contributors
- Weihong Zhong (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Mechanical and Materials Engineering, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525011401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis