Enhancement method of CFRP with the non-hydrophobized cellulose nanofibers using aqueous electrodeposition solution

Abstract

An efficient method to increase specific strength of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) by using cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) was developed. Eliminating a complex hydrophobic treatment of CNF by using aqueous electrodeposition solution (EDS) containing a polymer with epoxy group, the CFRP with CNF/resin layer was fabricated. The effects of the CNF/resin layer on the bending properties of CFRP were clarified by varying the weight fractions of CNF. The specific flexural rigidity and strength of the CFRP with CNF/resin layer were increased to approximately 3.5 times and 1.8 times those of the CFRP without CNF/resin layer, respectively.

Keywords:

• CFRP
• hydrophobic treatment
• electrodeposition
• prepreg

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Mr. Uchida, S. and Mr. Nedu, M., Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Aircraft innovation challenge fund and JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP17K06073.