• Composites Research
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.290-295
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• 2021

The application of lightweight structural composites to automobiles as a solution in line with global fuel economy regulations to curb global warming is recognized as a megatrend. This study was conducted to provide a technical approach that can respond to the issue of replacing parts that require conductive properties to maximize the application of thermoplastic carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs), which are advantageous in terms of repair, disposal and recycling. By utilizing the properties of the low-viscosity polymerizable oligomer matrix, it was possible to prepare a thermoplastic CFRP exhibiting excellent impregnation properties while uniformly mixing the conductive filler. Various carbon-based conductive fillers such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets, graphite, and pitch-based carbon fibers were filled up to the maximum content, and electrical and thermal conductive properties of the fabricated composites were compared and studied. It was confirmed that the maximum incorporation of filler was the most important factor to control the conductive properties of the composites rather than the type or shape of the conductive carbon filler. Experimental results were observed in which it might be advantageous to apply a one-dimensional conductive carbon filler to improve electrical conductivity, whereas it might be advantageous to apply a two-dimensional conductive carbon filler to improve thermal conductivity. The results of this study can provide potential insight into the optimization of structural design for controlling the conductive properties of thermoplastic CFRPs.

• Advanced Composite Materials
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.181-194
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• 2007

This paper presents the mechanical properties of a composite consisting of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin mixed with carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) pieces (CFRP/ABS). CFRP pieces made by crushing CFRP wastes were utilized in this material. Nine kinds of CFRP/ABS compounds with different weight fraction and size of CFRP pieces were prepared. Firstly, tensile and flexural tests were performed for the specimens with various CFRP content. Next, fracture surfaces of the specimens were microscopically observed to investigate fracture behavior and fiber/resin interface. Finally, the tensile modulus and strength were discussed based on the macromechanical model. It is found that the elastic modulus increases linearly with increasing CFRP content while the strength changes nonlinearly. Microscopic observation revealed that most carbon fibers are separated individually and dispersed homogeneously in ABS resin. Epoxy resin particles originally from CFRP are dispersed in ABS resin and seem to be in good contact with surrounding resin. The modulus and strength can be expressed using a macromechanical model taking account of fiber orientation, length and interfacial bonding in short fiber composites.

• Carbon letters
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.76-88
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• 2013

Carbon fibers (CFs) have high service temperature, strength, and stiffness, and low weight. They are widely used as reinforcing materials in advanced polymer composites. The role of the polymer matrix in the composites is to provide bulk to the composite laminate and transfer load between the fibers. The interface between the CF and the resin matrix plays a critical role in controlling the overall properties of the composites. This paper aims to review the synthesis, properties, and applications of polymer matrices, such as thermosetting and thermoplastic resins.

• Composites Research
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2023

Demand for energy consumption reduction is increasing according to the development expectations of future mobility. Lightweight structural materials are known as a method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. In particular, fiber reinforced polymer composite (FRP) is attracting attention as a material that can replace existing metal alloys due to its excellent mechanical properties and light weight. In this paper, industrial applications and research trends of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRP, carbon FRP) and self-reinforced composites (SRC) were reviewed based on the reinforcement, polymer matrix, and manufacturing process. In order to overcome the expensive process cost and long manufacturing time of the epoxy resin-based autoclave method, which is mainly used in the aircraft field, mass production of CFRP-applied electric vehicles has been reported using a high-pressure resin transfer molding process including fast-curing epoxy. In addition, thermoplastic resin-based CFRP and interface enhancement methods to solve the recycling issue of carbon fiber composites were reviewed in terms of materials and processes. To form a perfect matrix-reinforcement interface, which is known as the major factor inducing the excellent mechanical properties of FRP, studies on SRC impregnated with the same matrix in polymer fibers have been reported. The physical and mechanical properties of SRC based on various thermoplastic polymers were reviewed in terms of polymer orientation and composite structure. In addition, a copolymer matrix strategy for extending the processing window of highly drawn polypropylene fiber-based SRC was discussed. The application of CFRP and SRC as lightweight structural materials can provide potential options for improving the energy efficiency of future mobility.

• Composites Research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.33-40
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• 2003

In order to overcome one of the most pronounced shortcomings of conventional laminated composites, such as the low damage tolerance due to delamination, the thermoplastic materials and 3D (three-dimensional) preforms have been utilized in the manufacture of composite materials. From the newly developed process termed as the co-braiding, hybrid yarns of the thermoplastic fibers (PEEK) and reinforcing fibers (carbon) have been fabricated. In order to further enhance the delamination suppression, through thickness fibers have been introduced by way of 3D weaving technique in the fabrication of textile preforms. The preforms have been thermoformed to make composite materials. Complete impregnation of the PEEK into the carbon fiber bundles has been confirmed. For the comparison of mechanical performance of 3D woven composites, quasi-isotropic laminates using APC-2/AS4 tapes have been fabricated. Tensile and compressive properties of both the composites have been determined. Furthermore. the open hole, impact and CAI(Compression After Impact) tests were also carried out to assess the applicability of 3D woven textile reinforced thermoplastic composites in aerospace structures.

• Composites Research
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.68-75
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• 2024

Polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic resin with excellent mechanical, thermal, chemical, and water resistance properties, has been attracting attention due to its economic efficiency and recyclability. However, repeated processing of thermoplastic resins can lead to property degradation, and the point at which quality degradation occurs varies depending on the processing conditions. In this study, we evaluated the performance changes of composite materials with repeated processing by blending PP resin with various additives and conducting extrusion and injection processes repeatedly. In addition, we evaluated the mechanical properties of composite materials to evaluate the effect of MFI value change during repeated processing on fiber impregnation in composite material processing.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Railway
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.1059-1066
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• 2009

Recently, the amount of thermosetting plastic wastes has increased with the production of reinforced plastic composites and causes serious environmental problems. The epoxy resins, one of the versatile thermosetting plastics with excellent properties, cannot be melted down and remolded as what is done in the thermoplastic industry. In this research, a series of experiments that decompose epoxy resin and recover carbon fibers from carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites applied to railway vehicles was performed. We experimentally examined various decomposition processes and compared their decomposition efficiencies and mechanical property of recovered carbon fibers. For the prevention of tangle of recovered carbon fibers, each composites specimen was fixed with a Teflon supporter and no mechanical mixing was applied. Decomposition products were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC-MS), and universal testing machine (UTM). Carbon fibers could be completely recovered from decomposition process using nitric acid aqueous solution, liquid-phase thermal cracking and pyrolysis. The tensile strength losses of the recovered carbon fibers were less than 4%.

• Composites Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.93-97
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• 2022

The application of infrared heating in the hot press forming of the thermoplastic composites is conducive to productivity with high-speed heating. However, high energy, high forming temperature, and high-speed heating derived from infrared heating can cause material degradation and deteriorate properties such as re-melting performance. Therefore, this study was conducted to optimize the process conditions of the hot press forming suitable for carbon fiber reinforced polyetherketoneketone(CF/PEKK) composites that are actively researched and developed as high-performance aviation materials. Specifically, the degradation mechanisms and properties that may occur in infrared high-speed heating were evaluated through morphological and thermal characteristics analysis and mechanical performance tests. The degradation mechanism was analyzed through morphological investigation of the crystal structure of PEKK. As a result, the size of the spherulite decreased as the degradation progressed, and finally, the spherulite disappeared. In thermal characteristics, the melting temperature, crystallization temperature and heat of crystallization tend to decrease as degradation progresses, and the crystal structure disappeared under long-term exposure at 460℃. In addition, the low bonding strength was observed on the degraded surface, and the bonding surfaces of PEKK did not melt intermittently. In conclusion, it was confirmed that the CF/PEKK composite material degraded at 420℃ in the infrared high-speed heating. Furthermore, the spherulite experienced morphological changes and the re-melting properties of thermoplastic materials were degraded.

• Composites Research
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.161-166
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• 2016

Carbon nanotube buckypaper (CNTs-BP)/thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) elastomer composites were successfully fabricated. The CNTs-BP/PU nanocomposites exhibited simultaneous improvements in both tensile modulus and strength by 1360 and 430%, respectively, as compared to pure PU. Possible reinforcing mechanisms were evidenced by SEM analyses and tensile tests. The CNTs-BP/PU nanocomposites can be potentially used as an inter-reinforcing agent in ultra-lightweight, high-strength aircraft, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics, etc.

• Composites Research
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.175-180
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• 2017

Currently, since carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) are lightweight and have excellent physical properties, their demand has increased dramatically. Many works have studied the CFRPs based on recycled thermoplastics. In this study, the applicability of recycled composite was evaluated using recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET was collected from waste materials used in beverage bottles and processed to produce PET films. Optimal thermoforming temperature and time were analyzed by comparing the mechanical properties with forming temperature and time difference for producing PET films. CF mat and PET film were used to determine the suitable parameters for the optimum thermoforming of CF/PET composites. The mechanical properties of each thermoforming condition were verified by bending test. The degree of impregnation of the PET film into the CF mat was evaluated by cross-sectional photographs, whereas the interfacial properties were evaluated by interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). Ultimately, it was confirmed that the thermoforming condition for forming the CF/recycled PET composites yielding the optimal mechanical and interfacial properties was at $270^{\circ}C$ for 5 minutes.