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Role of a gradient interface layer in interfacial enhancement of carbon fiber/epoxy hierarchical composites

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Abstract

To improve the interfacial properties of carbon fibers/epoxy composites, we introduced a gradient interphase reinforced by graphene sheets between carbon fibers and matrix with a liquid phase deposition strategy. Interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength of the composites are both improved. The interfacial reinforcing mechanisms are explored by analyzing the structure of interfacial phase with linear scanning system of scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. Results indicate that carbon element shows a graded dispersion in the interface region and a gradient interface layer with the modulus decreasing from fibers and matrix is found to be built. To verify the effect of gradient interphase on the interfacial properties of composites, the mixture of carbon fiber/graphene/epoxy is sonicated before curing to disperse graphene sheets in matrix homogeneously. As a result, gradient interphase structures are disappeared and interfacial performance of composites is found to be weakened. The role of gradient interface layers in enhancing interfacial performances is further proved from a different angle.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the financial support from National Natural Science Foundation of China (U1362108, 11175130), and Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin, China (10JCYBJC02300).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Advanced Braided Composites, Ministry of Education, School of Textiles, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin, 300160, People’s Republic of China

    Lei Chen, Hao Jin, Zhiwei Xu, Jialu Li, Qiwei Guo, Mingjing Shan, Caiyun Yang, Zhen Wang, Wei Mai & Bowen Cheng

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  1. Lei Chen
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  2. Hao Jin
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Correspondence to Zhiwei Xu.

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Chen, L., Jin, H., Xu, Z. et al. Role of a gradient interface layer in interfacial enhancement of carbon fiber/epoxy hierarchical composites. J Mater Sci 50, 112–121 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-014-8571-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-014-8571-y

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