Utilizing Vacuum Bagging Process to Prepare Carbon Fiber/CNT-Modified-epoxy Composites with Improved Mechanical Properties

ABSTRACT

In this work, the effects of carbon nanotube-modified epoxy and carbon nanotube-enriched sizing agent on the tensile properties and failure mode of unidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy composites were investigated. Laminates of carbon fiber/epoxy composites at different concentrations of carbon nanotube and sizing agent were fabricated by hand layup vacuum bagging process. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was conducted to unveil the relation between the macroproperties and the composites’ microstructure. Experimental results showed that the carbon nanotube-modified epoxy/carbon fiber composite showed 20% enhancements in the Young’s modulus compared to the pristine epoxy/carbon fiber composite. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of the fracture surfaces revealed that incorporating carbon nanotube into the epoxy matrix with utilizing the vacuum improves the interfacial bonding and minimizes the voids that act as crack initiators. This microstructure enhances the interfacial shear strength and load transfer between the matrix and the fabrics and consequently the tensile characteristics of the formulated composite.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Carbon fiber
• carbon nanotubes
• IFSS
• sizing agent
• vacuum bagging

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited company-Joramco for kindly providing the vacuum bagging setup consumables.