Use of layered silicates to supplementarily toughen high performance epoxy-carbon fiber composites

摘要

Most high performance composites are based upon thermosetting resin systems and unidirectional or woven fibers, such as carbon, glass, Kevlar or graphite. The incorporation of these fibers within a thermosetting matrix produces materials that have a high strength and modulus to weight ratio, but tend to exhibit low ductility and damage tolerance in the translaminar direction. Such internal delamination damage is often difficult to detect and can lead to premature failure.