Preparation of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics with high fiber volume fraction and high heat-resistant properties

TLDR

A solution‑impregnation molding process was used to fabricate high‑fiber‑volume‑fraction (Vf > 60%) carbon‑fiber‑reinforced thermoplastics with Nylon 66 or polyetherimide matrices, characterized by SEM, tensile testing, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The resulting composites displayed superior mechanical strength, excellent fiber–resin bonding, and improved heat‑resistance compared to previously reported CFRTPs and crystalline co‑polyester composites.

Abstract

In the present article, a highly heat-resistant composite with a high fiber volume fraction ( V f > 60%) was successfully manufactured using engineering plastic Nylon66 as matrix and carbon fabric as reinforcement by a solution impregnation molding method. The mechanical properties of the composite were investigated using a tensile measuring device. Mechanical analysis revealed the superior mechanical properties of the composite relative to those of previously reported carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs). The cross section and fracture surface of the composite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The resin successfully impregnated the fiber bundles and the bonding strength of the fiber–resin interface was excellent. Dynamic mechanical analysis was used to evaluate the heat-resistant property of the composite. The composite exhibited a better heat-resistant property relative to that of the carbon fiber-reinforced crystalline co-polyester composite. To further verify the versatility of this method, super engineering plastic polyetherimide with a higher molecular weight was successfully employed as matrix to prepare CFRTP.