Enhanced mechanical and damping properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites by introducing the microcapsule particles

Abstract

AbstractBecause of the high strength, high modulus, and lightweight, carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites have been extensively used in aerospace and high‐speed aircraft. In the present study, a high damping carbon fiber/epoxy (CF/EP) composites reinforced by microcapsule particles is prepared on the premise of guaranteeing the mechanical properties of CF/EP composites. Through flexural tests, interlayer shear tests, scanning electron microscopy, and vibration damping tests, the impacts of different components of microcapsules on the mechanical and damping properties of CF/EP are investigated. The microcapsule particles are composed of a polyurethane shell and internal silicone oil. The results demonstrate that the flexural, interlaminar shear properties and damping properties of CF/EP composites are effectively enhanced by appropriate amount of microcapsule particles. When the content is 3 vol%, the flexural strength of CF/EP composites is elevated by 1.68% with 734.392 MPa. In addition, the interlaminar shear strength of CF/EP composites is elevated by 4.91%, which is 42.8 MPa. Besides, the damping properties of CF/EP composites increase with the increasing content of microcapsule particles. When the content of microcapsule particles is 8 vol%, the damping ratio of CF/EP composites is elevated by 39.51%, which is 3.22%.