Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Influence of CNTs on the gradient phase structure formed by the layered resin structure used to model the interlaminar region of interleaved FRPs

  • ORCID logo EMAIL logo , and
Published/Copyright: January 31, 2024
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill
Submit Manuscript Author Information
Journal of Polymer Engineering
From the journal Journal of Polymer Engineering Volume 44 Issue 3

Abstract

The interleaved fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPs) by carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/thermoplastic polyetherketone-cardo (PEK-C) hybrid interleaves show the potential of comprehensively improving the mechanical properties of composites and have been hotspot. However, the synergistic effect and mechanism of CNTs and TP resin have not been attained. The interlaminar region of interleaved composites is too narrow and complex to be fully analyzed. Therefore, the layered resin structure composed of an interlayer and a matrix (epoxy) layer was prepared to model the interlaminar region in this study. The evolution of gradient structure developed by the layered structure in curing and the influence of presence of CNTs in interlayer were investigated based on morphology characterization. The results showed that epoxy resin gradually diffused into the interlayer, resulting in the concentration gradient and the resultant gradient phase structure. The presence of CNTs in hybrid interlayer hindered the resin diffusion and consequently hindered the formation of dual-phase structure, which was not conducive to the toughness improvement. The inappropriate high temperature was not recommended due to the effect of facilitating diffusion, probably resulting in the formation of excrescent epoxy layer in the interlaminar region and undesired mechanical performance. This study conducted experiments on resin system to simplify the interesting subject and the results will help to develop the synergistic mechanism of TP resin and nanoparticles.

Keywords: layered resin structure; phase structure; epoxy; thermoplastic resin; carbon nanotubes
Corresponding author: Jiawei Yao, Sino-European Institute of Aviation Engineering, Civil Aviation University of China, Tianjin 300300, China, E-mail:

Funding source: Scientific research project of Tianjin Municipal Education Commission

Award Identifier / Grant number: 2022KJ079

  1. Research ethics: Not applicable.

  2. Author contributions: The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission. Jiawei Yao: conceptualization, methodology, writing - review & editing, supervision, funding acquisition; Yuekun Sun: investigation, data curation, validation; Yifan Niu: supervision, methodology, writing - review & editing.

  3. Competing interests: The authors declare that there is no competing interest.

  4. Research funding: The authors would acknowledge financial support from Scientific research project of Tianjin Municipal Education Commission (grant no. 2022KJ079).

  5. Data availability: The raw data required to reproduce these findings are available from [YAO, Jiawei (2023), “Raw data for ‘Using layered resin structure to model the interlaminar region of interleaved FRPs: evolution of gradient structure formed by layered resin structure induced by CNTs’,” Mendeley Data, V1, doi: 10.17632/6z6fjw8mhk.1].

References

1. Jin, F. L., Li, X., Park, S. J. Synthesis and Application of Epoxy Resins: a Review. J. Ind. Eng. Chem. 2015, 29, 1–11; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2015.03.026.Search in Google Scholar

2. Mohan, P. A Critical Review: the Modification, Properties, and Applications of Epoxy Resins. Polym-Plast. Technol. 2013, 52 (2), 107–125; https://doi.org/10.1080/03602559.2012.727057.Search in Google Scholar

3. Poornima, V. P., Debora, P., Jose, M. K., Al-Maadeed, M. A. S. A., Kenny, J. M., Thomas, S. Elastomer/thermoplastic Modified Epoxy Nanocomposites: the Hybrid Effect of ‘micro’ and ‘nano’ Scale. Mat. Sci. Eng. R Rep. 2017, 116, 1–29; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mser.2017.03.001.Search in Google Scholar

4. Kausar, A. Rubber Toughened Epoxy-Based Nanocomposite: a Promising Pathway toward Advanced Materials. J. Macromol. Sci. A 2020, 57 (7), 499–511; https://doi.org/10.1080/10601325.2020.1730190.Search in Google Scholar

5. Li, B. H., Zhang, X. H., Qi, G. C., Wang, X., Zhang, J. R., Han, P., Ru, Y., Qiao, J. L. A Rubber-Modified Epoxy Composite with Very High Toughness and Heat Resistance. Polym. Polym. Compos. 2019, 27 (9), 582–586; https://doi.org/10.1177/0967391119854649.Search in Google Scholar

6. Gunwant, D., Sah, L. P., Zaidi, M. G. H. Fabrication and Characterization of Novel Liquid Rubber Modified Epoxies. Mater. Today Proc. 2018, 5 (11), 24750–24759; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2018.10.273.Search in Google Scholar

7. Kasemura, T., Kawamoto, K., Kashima, Y. Studies on the Modification of Epoxy Resin with Silicone Rubber. J. Adhes. 1990, 33 (1–2), 1–31; https://doi.org/10.1080/00218469008030414.Search in Google Scholar

8. Chonkaew, W., Sombatsompop, N. Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Epoxy Modified by Liquid Carboxyl Terminated Poly(butadiene-Co-Acrylonitrile) Rubber. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2012, 125 (1), 361–369; https://doi.org/10.1002/app.35580.Search in Google Scholar

9. Wang, J., Xue, X. M., Li, Y. C., Li, G., Wang, Y., Zhong, W. H., Yang, X. P. Synergistically Effects of Copolymer and Core-Shell Particles for Toughening Epoxy. Polymer 2018, 140, 39–46; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2018.02.031.Search in Google Scholar

10. Ren, X. M., Tu, Z. K., Wang, J., Jiang, T., Yang, Y. K., Shi, D., Mai, Y. W., Shi, H. C., Luan, S. F., Hu, G. H. Critical Rubber Layer Thickness of Core-Shell Particles with a Rigid Core and a Soft Shell for Toughening of Epoxy Resins without Loss of Elastic Modulus and Strength. Compos. Sci. Technol. 2017, 153, 253–260; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2017.10.027.Search in Google Scholar

11. Wan, W. T., Yu, D. M., He, J., Xie, Y. C., Huang, L. B., Guo, X. S. Simultaneously Improved Toughness and Dielectric Properties of Epoxy/core-Shell Particle Blends. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2008, 107 (2), 1020–1028; https://doi.org/10.1002/app.26102.Search in Google Scholar

12. Giannakopoulos, G., Masania, K., Taylor, A. C. Toughening of Epoxy Using Core-Shell Particles. J. Mater. Sci. 2011, 46, 327–338; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-010-4816-6.Search in Google Scholar

13. Tsang, W. L., Taylor, A. C. Fracture and Toughening Mechanisms of Silica-And Core-Shell Rubber-Toughened Epoxy at Ambient and Low Temperature. J. Mater. Sci. 2019, 54, 13938–13958; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-019-03893-y.Search in Google Scholar

14. Foix, D., Ramis, X., Ferrando, F., Serra, A. Improvement of Epoxy Thermosets Using a Thiol-Ene Based Polyester Hyperbranched Polymer as Modifier. Polym. Int. 2012, 61 (5), 727–734; https://doi.org/10.1002/pi.3230.Search in Google Scholar

15. Fernandez-Francos, X., Salla, J. M., Cadenato, A., Morancho, J. M., Serra, A., Mantecon, A., Ramis, X. A New Strategy for Controlling Shrinkage of DGEBA Resins Cured by Cationic Copolymerization with Hydroxyl-Terminated Hyperbranched Polymers and Ytterbium Triflate as an Initiator. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2009, 111 (6), 2822–2829; https://doi.org/10.1002/app.29317.Search in Google Scholar

16. Zotti, A., Zuppolini, S., Borriello, A., Zarrelli, M. Thermal Properties and Fracture Toughness of Epoxy Nanocomposites Loaded with Hyperbranched-Polymers-Based Core/shell Nanoparticles. Nanomaterial 2019, 9 (3), 418–432; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9030418.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

17. Ma, H., Aravand, M. A., Falzon, B. G. Phase Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Polyetherimide Modified Epoxy Resins: a Comparative Study. Polymer 2019, 179, 121640; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2019.121640.Search in Google Scholar

18. Wang, M. H., Yu, Y. F., Wu, X. G., Li, S. J. Polymerization Induced Phase Separation in Poly(ether Imide)-Modified Epoxy Resin Cured with Imidazole. Polymer 2004, 45 (4), 1253–1259; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2003.12.037.Search in Google Scholar

19. Chen, F. H., Wang, X., Zhao, X. J., Liu, J. G., Yang, S. Y., Han, C. C. Spontaneous Three-Layer Formation in the Curing of Polyimide/epoxy Blends. Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2010, 29 (1), 74–79; https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.200700568.Search in Google Scholar

20. Luo, X. F., Ou, R. Q., Eberly, D. E., Singhal, A., Viratyaporn, W., Mather, P. T. A Thermoplastic/thermoset Blend Exhibiting Thermal Mending and Reversible Adhesion. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2009, 13, 612–620; https://doi.org/10.1021/am8001605.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

21. Cha, J., Jun, G. H., Park, J. K., Kim, J. C., Ryu, H. J., Hong, S. H. Improvement of Modulus, Strength and Fracture Toughness of CNT/Epoxy Nanocomposites through the Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes. Compos. Part B-Eng. 2017, 129, 169–179; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2017.07.070.Search in Google Scholar

22. Asif, A., Rao, V. L., Ninan, K. N. Preparation, Characterization, Thermo-Mechanical, and Barrier Properties of Exfoliated Thermoplastic Toughened Epoxy Clay Ternary Nanocomposites. Polym. Adv. Technol. 2011, 22 (4), 437–447; https://doi.org/10.1002/pat.1533.Search in Google Scholar

23. Jyotishkumar, P., Pionteck, J., Moldenaers, P., Thomas, S. Preparation and Properties of TiO2-Filled Poly (Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene)/epoxy Hybrid Composites. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2013, 127 (4), 3159–3168; https://doi.org/10.1002/app.37729.Search in Google Scholar

24. Jyotishkumar, P., Abraham, E., George, S. M., Elias, E., Pionteck, J., Moldenaers, P., Thomas, S. Preparation and Properties of MWCNTs/poly(acrylonitrile-Styrene-Butadiene)/epoxy Hybrid Composites. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2013, 127 (4), 3093–3103; https://doi.org/10.1002/app.37677.Search in Google Scholar

25. Chen, Z. G., Luo, J., Huang, Z., Cai, C. Q., Tusiime, R., Li, Z. Y., Wang, H. X., Cheng, C., Liu, Y., Sun, Z. Y., Zhang, H., Yu, J. Y. Synergistic Toughen Epoxy Resin by Incorporation of Polyetherimide and Amino Groups Grafted MWCNTs. Compos. Commun. 2020, 21, 100377; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coco.2020.100377.Search in Google Scholar

26. He, Y. L., Zhang, J. W., Yao, L. J., Tang, J., Che, B. X., Ju, S., Jiang, D. Z. A Multi-Layer Resin Film Infusion Process to Control CNTs Distribution and Alignment for Improving CFRP Interlaminar Fracture Toughness. Compos. Struct. 2021, 260, 113510; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.113510.Search in Google Scholar

27. Khosravi, H., Eslami-Farsani, R. On the Mechanical Characterizations of Unidirectional Basalt Fiber/epoxy Laminated Composites with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes–Enhanced Matrix. J. Reinf. Plast. Compos. 2015, 35 (5), 421–434; https://doi.org/10.1177/0731684415619493.Search in Google Scholar

28. Eslami-Farsani, R., Shahrabi-Farahani, A. Investigation on the Flexural Response of Multiscale Anisogrid Composite Panels Reinforced with Carbon Fibers and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes. J. Compos. Mater. 2018, 52 (2), 225–233; https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998317704981.Search in Google Scholar

29. Song, X., Gao, J. F., Zheng, N., Zhou, H. L. Z., Mai, Y. W. Interlaminar Toughening in Carbon Fiber/epoxy Composites Interleaved with CNT-Decorated Polycaprolactone Nanofibers. Compos. Commun. 2021, 24, 100622; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coco.2020.100622.Search in Google Scholar

30. Guan, Q. B., Yuan, L., Wang, Z. H., Gu, A. J., Liang, G. Z. Aminated Aligned Carbon Nanotube Bundles/polybenzimidazole Hybrid Film Interleaved Thermosetting Composites with Interface Strengthening Action. Compos. Part B-Eng. 2018, 152, 256–266; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.07.020.Search in Google Scholar

31. Hamer, S., Leibovich, H., Green, A., Avrahami, R., Zussman, E., Siegmann, A., Sherman, D. Mode I and Mode II Fracture Energy of MWCNT Reinforced Nanofibrilmats Interleaved Carbon/epoxy Laminates. Compos. Sci. Technol. 2014, 90, 48–56; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2013.10.013.Search in Google Scholar

32. Yao, J. W., Zhang, T., Niu, Y. F. Effect of Curing Time on Phase Morphology and Fracture Toughness of PEK-C Film Interleaved Carbon Fibre/epoxy Composite Laminates. Compos. Struct. 2020, 248, 112550; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.112550.Search in Google Scholar

33. Ma, T. Y., Sun, Y. K., Yao, J. W. Influence of CNTs/PEK-C Interlayer Structure on Mode II Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of the Interleaved Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2022, 139 (30), e52671; https://doi.org/10.1002/app.52671.Search in Google Scholar

34. Yao, J. W., Niu, K. M., Niu, Y. F., Zhang, T. Toughening Efficiency and Mechanism of Carbon Fibre Epoxy Matrix Composites by PEK-C. Compos. Struct. 2019, 229, 111431; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2019.111431.Search in Google Scholar

35. Zhang, J., Yang, T., Lin, T., Wang, C. H. Phase Morphology of Nanofibre Interlayers: Critical Factor for Toughening Carbon/epoxy Composites. Compos. Sci. Technol. 2012, 72 (2), 256–262; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2011.11.010.Search in Google Scholar

36. Yao, J. W., Liu, M. Y., Niu, Y. F. Mechanical Properties of PEK-C Interlayer Toughened Carbon Fiber/epoxy Composites. Acta Mater. Compositae Sin. 2019, 36 (5), 1083–1091.Search in Google Scholar
Received: 2023-10-12
Accepted: 2024-01-06
Published Online: 2024-01-31
Published in Print: 2024-03-25

© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Material Properties
  3. Effect of titanium diboride on the rheological characteristics of silica-based polyethylene glycol shear thickening fluid
  4. Influence of different dimensional nanoparticles on the properties of poly(β-hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) nanocomposites
  5. Preparation and Assembly
  6. Multifunctional hydrogels for wound healing
  7. Stiff, strong, and tear-resistant physical hydrogels with widely tunable toughness by post-treatments
  8. Study on the adhesion of PTFE/PI composite films by interlocking synergistic effects
  9. Physically cross-linked scaffold composed of hydroxyapatite-chitosan-alginate-polyamide has potential to trigger bone regeneration in craniofacial defect
  10. Engineering and Processing
  11. Influence of CNTs on the gradient phase structure formed by the layered resin structure used to model the interlaminar region of interleaved FRPs
  12. Innovative reactor design for the preparation of polymer electrolyte membranes for vanadium flow batteries from preirradiation induced graft copolymerization of acrylic acid and AMPS on PVDF
https://doi.org/10.1515/polyeng-2023-0232
Keywords for this article
layered resin structure; phase structure; epoxy; thermoplastic resin; carbon nanotubes

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Material Properties
  3. Effect of titanium diboride on the rheological characteristics of silica-based polyethylene glycol shear thickening fluid
  4. Influence of different dimensional nanoparticles on the properties of poly(β-hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) nanocomposites
  5. Preparation and Assembly
  6. Multifunctional hydrogels for wound healing
  7. Stiff, strong, and tear-resistant physical hydrogels with widely tunable toughness by post-treatments
  8. Study on the adhesion of PTFE/PI composite films by interlocking synergistic effects
  9. Physically cross-linked scaffold composed of hydroxyapatite-chitosan-alginate-polyamide has potential to trigger bone regeneration in craniofacial defect
  10. Engineering and Processing
  11. Influence of CNTs on the gradient phase structure formed by the layered resin structure used to model the interlaminar region of interleaved FRPs
  12. Innovative reactor design for the preparation of polymer electrolyte membranes for vanadium flow batteries from preirradiation induced graft copolymerization of acrylic acid and AMPS on PVDF
Downloaded on 10.4.2026 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/polyeng-2023-0232/html
Scroll to top button