Electron Beam Strengthening for Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials

Abstract

In order to evaluate the influence of electron beam (EB) irradiation on the elasticity and stress–strain curve of composite materials reinforced by carbon fiber (CF), carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and carbon fiber-reinforced graphite (C–C) were treated by EB irradiation of 0.3 MGy. Since the EB strengthening was mainly dominated by the ductility enhancements of carbon fiber and matrix of epoxy resin, EB irradiation enlarged fracture stress and enhanced fracture strain of CFRP. Furthermore, EB irradiation slightly enhanced bending elasticity of CFRP and largely enhanced the initial spring constant related to elasticity of C–C coil. Although the elasticity enhancement of carbon fibers did not largely contribute to that of CFRP, that of treated graphite matrix in C–C mainly caused the C–C coil elasticity enhancement by EB irradiation. Such a new treatment is a dream-worthy technology for structural materials to be applied in the fields of future engineering.