Paper number 1063

INVESTIGATION OF THERMAL PROPERTIES OF CARBON FIBRE COMPOSITE WITH PHENOLIC - EPOXY

Varghese S., Prakash Yadav & S.K.Nema

Macromolecular Research Centre
R.D.University, Jabalpur, 482 001, India

Summary

Carbon fibre reinforced composites with phenolic-epoxy (PR-EP) matrix have been recently developed, wherein varying epoxy parts per hundred parts of phenolic resin was incorporated. The combined TGA-FTIR study was conducted for the matrix samples prepared under simulated time-temperature profile used for the preparation of the prepregs. This study enabled determining volatile content and possible structural features of the prepreg. The thermal properties of various matrices and their carbon fibre composites are evaluated in terms of the parameters derived from Thermo Gravimetric Analysis. PR-EP matrices have shown higher thermal stability than neat PR. The technical reasons for improved thermal stability of the matrix are advanced. A little poor thermal performance by carbon fibre reinforced PR-EP composites may be attributed to the formation of inter-phase and non-removal of size material on the carbon fibre surface.

Keywords

carbon fibre, phenolic resol, epoxy, TGA & FTIR analysis, prepreg.