Enhancement of Mechanical Integrity of Advanced Composites using PMAA-Electropolymerised CF Fabrics

Abstract

The aim of the present study is the development of new composite materials that show improved mechanical and structural integrity. In order to accomplish this goal, a novel functionalization method of the carbon fibers for the reinforcement of the composites surface was investigated. Through the electrografting of methacrylic acid onto the surface of the carbon fiber, this treatment aims to selectively modify the surface of the carbon fabrics, in order to create active groups that can chemically react with the epoxy resin, under heat and pressure. By this way, better adhesion as mechanical interlocking between the resin and the reinforcement can be achieved. The surface treatment was examined qualitatively by means of Infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The carbon fiber reinforced polymers were manufactured via the hot-press technique and they were subsequently submitted to flexural, shear and nanoindentation test. Finally, the internal structural integrity was tested through micro-Computing Tomography.