Frontal polymerization of high-performance glass fiber epoxy composites with high fiber volume fraction

IF 6.5 2区材料科学 Q1 MATERIALS SCIENCE, COMPOSITES

Composites Communications Pub Date : 2025-03-25 DOI:10.1016/j.coco.2025.102381

Zhikang He, Rulin Shen, Taizhi Liu, Shuqi He, Yanling Gong

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Manufacturing high-performance glass fiber epoxy composites (GFRP) through radical-induced cationic frontal polymerization (RICFP) is challenging. Achieving high fiber content is difficult due to low resin levels and inadequate chemical reactivity. This study systematically investigates the effects of ultraviolet (UV) light and local thermal initiation on RICFP using bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) epoxy resin as the substrate. The preferred initiation method was identified, and the enthalpy change and thermal equilibrium of the resin's RICFP reaction were effectively controlled by optimizing preheating conditions, resin composition, and the initiator ratio. A method for preparing high-fiber-volume GFRP via RICFP was also proposed. Experimental results revealed that GFRP prepared by UV-initiated RICFP exhibited a 13.8 % increase in flexural strength, alongside an 11.8 % reduction in frontal temperature compared to local thermal initiation. By optimizing the resin composition for the RICFP process, a fiber volume fraction of up to 52 % was achieved. The frontal polymerization specimen's flexural strength increased by 27.7 % and 28.7 %, while its interlaminar fracture toughness improved by 11.9 % and 50.9 %, respectively, compared to the two thermal curing specimens (SEP-Heat Cured and BADGE-Heat Cured). Furthermore, dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA) demonstrated significant enhancements in the glass transition temperature, with increases of 69.14 % and 139.53 %, respectively. This study provides both a theoretical foundation and technical guidelines for the RICFP process, aiming to produce high-performance GFRP with a high fiber volume fraction.

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来源期刊

Composites Communications Materials Science-Ceramics and Composites

CiteScore

12.10

自引率

10.00%

发文量

340

审稿时长

36 days

期刊介绍： Composites Communications (Compos. Commun.) is a peer-reviewed journal publishing short communications and letters on the latest advances in composites science and technology. With a rapid review and publication process, its goal is to disseminate new knowledge promptly within the composites community. The journal welcomes manuscripts presenting creative concepts and new findings in design, state-of-the-art approaches in processing, synthesis, characterization, and mechanics modeling. In addition to traditional fiber-/particulate-reinforced engineering composites, it encourages submissions on composites with exceptional physical, mechanical, and fracture properties, as well as those with unique functions and significant application potential. This includes biomimetic and bio-inspired composites for biomedical applications, functional nano-composites for thermal management and energy applications, and composites designed for extreme service environments.