Fabrication, Interfacial and Flexural Properties of a Polymer Composite Reinforced by γ-Al2O3/Al Fibres

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Abstract

Metal reinforcements in polymer matrix composites (PMC) provide enhanced architectural freedom and functional capabilities at low cost, but a weak interfacial bonding limits their applications. We utilised Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) to deliver 2D Al 2O 3/Al woven cores used as PMC reinforcements. Alumina coatings reduced fibre tensile strength and modulus but significantly enhanced the epoxy-fibre interfacial strength from ∼ 12 MPa to ∼ 33 MPa, changing the failure mode of the composite from interfacial debonding to rupture due to the enhanced resistance of the epoxy-Al 2O 3 interface. The optimised bonding of hybrid Al 2O 3/Al fibre reinforcements s increased composites’ specific flexural modulus (E f /ρ) by ∼ 58%. The study demonstrated the utility of PEO-based approach in the preparation of hybrid reinforcements to polymer matrix composites with enhanced mechanical behaviour.

Original languageEnglish
Article number107502
JournalComposites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Volume169
Early online date6 Mar 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2023

Keywords

  • A Polymer-matrix composites
  • B Fibre/matrix bond
  • D Mechanical testing
  • E Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation

Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

  • Henry Royce Institute

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