Fundamental Studies and Development on an Innovative Ceramic/Polymer Material Compound

Abstract

Fibre-reinforced ceramic composite materials offer excellent thermal, mechanical and chemical properties. Due to their intrinsic fibre structure and porosity, they offer a great damage tolerance. Therefore, they provide superb attenuation characteristics, as do polymer composites. The current compound systems consisting of ceramic components feature a rather low capacity for energy absorption in relation to their weight; this is a fact in dire need of a fundamental change. In regards to the development of new hybrid ceramic/polymer material compounds basic research of the material design and binding behaviour of the different components is necessary. The advantage of this development allows for a selective implementation of positive characteristics of one component in an integrated compound-system. This opens up completely new possible are-as of application, such as wear and tear resistant and chemically inert, energy absorbing elements for the construction of reactors or areas of medical technology. During the investigation, a few selected fibre-reinforced ceramic composite materials with a specific porosity were produced, while adjusting the amount of resin/hardening agent used, as well as modifying other parameters. This was followed by tests regarding the wetting with a polyurethane component. The characterisation and analysis of the hybrid compounds on a microscopic scale is achieved by means of optical microscopic examinations. The characterisation of the mechanical attenuation characteristics on the other hand is realised by means of DM(T)A. The flexural strength is determined by utilising a “three-point-bending test”.