Abstract
Three-dimensional carbon fiber (3D-CF) reinforced resin matrix composites are successfully prepared by vacuum impregnation and hot pressing process. The microstructure analysis shows that the resin distribution in the composites is uniform, the infiltration effect is satisfactory, and there are no obvious defects such as pores and delamination. The compression properties of the composites are tested in the directions which are perpendicular to the thickness of the fiber layer and parallel to the thickness of the fiber layer, respectively. The compressive strength of the composites are 374 MPa and 262 MPa, and the difference is obvious. The former is 42.7% higher than the latter. Further analysis of the compression failure behavior of the two composites shows that there is a significant difference in the failure forms. The former is mainly fiber layer crushing deformation, while the latter is mainly fiber layer fold and fracture failure. The latter is more destructive than the former, so its compression strength is lower than that of the former. It can be seen that the structure distribution and loading direction of fiber fabric have an important influence on the compressive strength of 3D-CF reinforced resin matrix composites.