Effects of cellulose nanofiber content on impact properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites with the cellulose nanofiber dispersion layer.

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are environmentally friendly materials with a high specific strength. To enhance the impact properties of the carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs), a method for inserting a CNF dispersion layer between prepregs was developed. By using an aqueous solution of epoxy resin, the hydrophobic treatment of CNF became unnecessary. In this study, CFRP with CNF dispersion layers was fabricated with different CNF content. The impact energy absorbed by the CFRP specimen was increased with the increasing CNF content, and the Charpy impact value increased up to a maximum of 21% by the CNF dispersion layers. Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) specimens with the cellulose nanofiber (CNF) dispersion layer were fabricated. The specimens were fabricated by varying the content of CNF. Impact energy absorbed by the CFRP specimen was increased with increased CNF content. Charpy impact value increased up to 21%; optimum ductility index value was clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]