Nanocomposites for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites

Abstract

The major objective of this material program is to develop an improved epoxy nanocomposite for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite (CPMC) with higher temperature performance capability, mechanical performance, damage resistance, extreme environment corrosion resistance, and improved dimensional control. We proposed that a nanophase be introduced into specific components of an epoxy resin system, prior to cure, to provide improved Tg and mechanical strength of the composites. In this study, we used Cytec Engineered Materials (CEM) CYCOM 977-3, a high temperature damage tolerant tetrafunctional epoxy resin system; and three types of nanoparticles: chemically modified montmorillonite (MMT) organoclays, surface treated nanosilica, and surface modified carbon nanofibers (CNF) to create new types of epoxy nanocomposites. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to determine the degree of dispersion. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) was used to determine the Tg and complex modulus of the polymer nanocomposites. The TEM analyses indicated that the MMT clay, nanosilica, and CNF dispersed very well in the epoxy resin system. Evidence is presented that a nanophase is formed when nanoparticles such as surface treated clay, surface treated nanosilica, or carbon nanofibers are introduced into the epoxy resin. Higher Tg and complex modulus values from DMTA for the nanomodified materials are presented as evidence for nanophase presence in the epoxy resin system as compared to lower Tg and complex modulus for the epoxy resin control. The DMTA data of the neat epoxy nanosilica nanocomposite (2% Aerosil R202) show the highest Tg (258C) and the highest complex modulus (964 MPa). Five epoxy nanocomposites were selected to produce prepregs using AS4-6K carbon woven cloth at CEM. The prepregs were fabricated into composites.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 26, 2004
Accession Number
ADA427599

Entities

People

  • A. Abusafieh
  • Albert Lee
  • G. Wissler
  • J. H. Koo
  • L. A. Pilato

Organizations

  • University of Texas at Austin

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Carbon Fibers
  • Carbon Nanotubes
  • Composite Material Fabrication
  • Composite Materials
  • Engineered Materials
  • Fiber Reinforced Polymers
  • Laminates
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Nanocomposites
  • Physical Properties
  • Plastics
  • Polymer Matrix Composites
  • Resins

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Polymer Science and Technology
  • Surface Coatings Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Microelectronics