QUANTITUATIVE EFFECT OF OXIDATIVE DEBRIS REMOVAL FROM GRAPHENE OXIDE ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF EPOXY-CARBON FIBER COMPOSITES

摘要

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CRFP) are currently seeing a surge in applications [1], Their superior mechanical properties and relatively low weight, combined with their chemical and environmental resistance, make them ideal for many structural applications, including automobile, aerospace, civil and marine structures[2-4]. However, the matrix phase controls the interlaminar properties of the laminate and unfortunately the matrix phase exhibits a poor toughness [5]. Delamination is one of the most prevalent life limiting crack growth mode, causing severe reductions in in-plane strength and stiffness, and even failure. In view of these facts, many research have focused their attention on improving the mechanical properties of the matrix-dominated performance of fiber composites by adding toughening agents such as nanoclays, carbon nanotubes, graphene[6]. It is important to have in mind that the graphene surface-to-volume ratio is higher than in SWCNTs, since the inner nanotube surface is inaccessible to polymer molecules and much more surface area is available for stress transfer and energy dissipative toughening processes. This fact makes graphene to be potentially a promising agent for the improvement of the matrix properties, as reported elsewhere [7-9]. In addition, it is thought that graphene oxide might be more compatible with polymer matrices than pristine graphene due the existence of carbonyl, hydroxyl and epoxy groups on the material [10].