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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Experimental Evaluation of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Structural Applications

  1. Praveena B.A. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Yelahanka, Bangalore
  2. Shivaji Lamani Department of Aerospace Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, REVA University, Yelahanka, Bangalore
  3. Venugopal M.M. Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Yelahanka, Bangalore
  4. Srikanth H.V. Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Yelahanka, Bangalore
  5. Santhosh N. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dayananda Sagar Academy of Technology and Management, Bangalore

Abstract

Composites made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) are currently one of the most widely used material classes in advanced engineering applications because of their remarkable environmental resistance, dimensional stability, and strength-to-weight ratio. The vacuum bag moulding method was used in this study to create CFRP laminates with different fiber-to-resin weight ratios: 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, and 70:30. The reinforcement phase was made of unidirectional carbon fibre fabric and the matrix was made of epoxy resin based on bisphenol-A and amine hardener. In compliance with ASTM guidelines, the laminates underwent tensile, flexural, Shore D hardness, impact, and wear tests to assess the impact of fibre loading. According to the findings, the fiber-to-resin ratio of 60:40 performed best in every test. The maximum tensile strength (432 MPa), flexural strength (580 MPa), tensile modulus (39.2 GPa) and flexural modulus (42.0 GPa) were all attained. Superior surface integrity was indicated by a peak Shore D hardness of 85. Confirming its exceptional toughness and durability, the same composition also demonstrated the lowest wear rate (1.48 × 10⁻⁵ mm³/N·m) and maximum impact resistance (58 kJ/m²). Because of insufficient resin infiltration and decreased interfacial bonding, laminates with fibre contents higher than 60% performed worse. These results highlight how important the fiber-to-resin ratio is for maximising the mechanical and tribological properties of composites or applications where weight reduction and mechanical efficiency are crucial, such as in the wind energy, automotive, marine, and sports industries, the optimised 60:40 configuration is ideal.

Keywords

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