Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites are renowned for their exceptional performance due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. High modulus carbon fibers serve as the primary reinforcement in CFRPs (carbon fiber reinforced plastics), typically sized with polymers for handling and weaving purposes. However, surface flaws on the fibers can cause premature failure under tensile loading. Removing the sizing agent and oxidizing the carbon fibers are crucial steps to eliminate surface flaws and impurities. In this invention, carbon fibers were desized and subsequently oxidized with optimized treatment times. This process resulted in a significant improvement in the tensile strength of the treated fibers compared to untreated ones. The treated carbon fibers were characterized using SEM, FTIR, and AFM to examine micrographs, functional groups, and surface roughness, respectively. These treated carbon fibers are highly suitable for further manufacturing of CFRPs.
Type of IP
Faculty
Category of Patent
- More contact points enhance mechanical interlocking between fibers and/or matrix
- Optimized desizing and oxidation treatment method and conditions achieve maximum enhancement in the performance of carbon fibers
- Introduce functional groups on the carbon fiber surface capable of enhancing interfacial adhesion
- Provide carbon fibers with improved tensile strength and tensile modulus
- Improved failure strain compared to pristine carbon fiber tows
9
The invention has a proof of system and is ready for deployment. The treated carbon fibers were characterized under scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for micrographs, surface roughness and presence of functional groups respectively and were shown to have improved tensile strength.
Aerospace and defense industry, automobile industry, sports industry, marine industry, energy industry
The invention has significant applications in industries that rely on high-performance composite materials. Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites are widely used in aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and civil engineering sectors due to their superior strength-to-weight ratio and durability. The treated carbon fibers can be used in manufacturing technologies for aircraft, vehicles, high-performance sports gear, and infrastructure projects.