Investigation of cycloaliphatic amine-cured bisphenol-A epoxy resin under quenching treatment and the effect on its carbon fiber composite lamination strength

Abstract Thermosetting epoxy resin polymer with cycloaliphatic amines curing agent has been widely used for a composite matrix with carbon fiber reinforcement. The utilization was increased due to the superior performance of this epoxy resin compared to other polymers. However, a changing operational environment has potentially reduced composite performance, which most likely begins with matrix degradation. This research applies thermal treatment by the quenching process sequence to the epoxy resin matrix and its reinforced carbon fiber composite (CFRP). The composite is made by epoxy resin diglycidyl ether bisphenol-A, curing with cycloaliphatic amine as matrix and strengthening carbon fiber mat/woven. Three times quenching treatment was performed by heating the specimen around the glass transition temperature and then dipped immediately in fresh water. After quenching treatment, the epoxy resin shows a reduction in tensile strength and elongation. Under infrared observation, epoxy resin does not significantly show changes in functional groups. Investigation under X-ray refraction also indicates no difference in a crystalline structure; this epoxy resin stays in an amorphous form before and after quenching. In contrast to the matrix, the quenching treatment of the CFRP composite above the epoxy resin s glass transition temperature revealed an increase in the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). The matrix ductility reduction after quenching should be carefully considered for application in the form of epoxy resin sheets or CFRP composite construction materials.