Preparation and performance evaluation of carbon fiber/epoxy composites modified with graphene prepregs

Abstract

Graphene/carbon fiber/epoxy composites were prepared by autoclave co-curing molding process with graphene prepregs as the functional layer, which were paved on the surface of carbon fiber perform. The effect of graphene prepregs on the internal quality, electromagnetic interference shielding performance and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated by ultrasound scanner, metallograph, four-probe instrument, vector network analyzer and electronic universal material testing machine. The results show that the internal quality of the graphene/carbon fiber/epoxy composites will not be influenced by the addition of graphene prepregs, and there are a good interfacial compatibility between graphene functional layer and carbon fiber structural layer. On this basis, graphene prepregs, which serves as the functional layer, taking advantage of excellent electrical conductivity, can improve the electromagnetic interference shielding performance of the corresponding composites rapidly. With only one layer of graphene prepreg (G105/3234), electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency of carbon fiber/epoxy composites is improved from 27.7 dB to 64.7 dB. Meanwhile, the obtained composites still maintain satisfactory mechanical properties.

Keywords

• graphene prepreg
• carbon fiber
• composites
• electromagnetic interference shielding perfor-mance
• mechanical property