Enhancement of the interlaminar performance of silica/phenolic laminates after high-temperature pyrolysis using a boron carbide/silicon carbide fibre z-pin

Abstract

The interlaminar strength of polymer matrix laminates significantly affects their performance. Z-pinning is an effective method for improving the interlaminar performance of laminates. However, it remains a challenge to improve the interlaminar performance of polymer matrix laminates at high temperatures. In this study, the interlaminar performance of silica/phenolic laminate after high-temperature pyrolysis was enhanced by using a boron carbide/silicon carbide fibre (B4C/SiCf) composite pin. Experimental results revealed that the in-plane interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the pyrolyzed B4C/SiCf z-pinned laminates was above 3.0 MPa, which was 110% higher than that of the unpinned laminate. In addition, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the combined effect of B4C and SiC fibres in the pin on the interlaminar performance of the laminate at high temperatures due to the enhancement in the interlaminar strength of the composite. Furthermore, the ILSS of the laminate increased when the z-pin content of the B4C/SiCf pins increased; however, when the content of the z-pin further increased, the vertical interlayer direction would happen the brittle fracture.

Keywords

• Ceramic fibres
• Laminates
• High-temperature properties
• Mechanical properties