Effects of carbon nanofibers on carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics made with in situ polymerizable polyamide 6. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Irisawa, Toshihira; Shibata, Masataka; Yamamoto, Tetsuya; Tanabe, Yasuhiro
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 138(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: A. Carbon fibers -- Thermoplastic resin -- B. Mechanical properties -- E. Resin transfer molding (RTM); Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2020.106051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Highlights: The effects of CNFs on CFRTPs made with polyamide 6 were discussed. CFRTPs were made by in-situ polymerizable methods. CFRTPs with well dispersion of CNFs could be molded. CNFs efficiently affected the mechanical properties of CFRTPs. Abstract: The effects of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on the mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs) made with in situ polymerizable polyamide 6 (PA6), which are derived through the polymerization of ε-caprolactam, were discussed. Although it is difficult to disperse CNFs in solvents, including molten polymers, ε-caprolactam was successfully obtained with good CNF dispersibility. CFRTPs with good dispersion of CNFs were molded while maintaining moldability below the CNF weight fraction of 0.5 wt%. Furthermore, it was revealed that CNFs increased the molecular weight of PA6, and the elastic modulus of the matrix polymer increased. As a result, the stress transfer ability increased, and the bending properties of the CFRTPs, particularly the bending strength, also increased.