Chemically functionalized alumina nanoparticle effect on carbon fiber/epoxy composites

The effect of chemically functionalized alumina nanoparticles (carboxylate-alumoxanes) on the performance of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite materials has been investigated. Lysine-alumoxane (L-alumoxane) and para-hydroxybenzoate-alumoxane (p-HB-alumoxane), formed from the reaction of boehmite with the appropriate carboxylic acid, can potentially react with epoxy resins to provide covalent bonding of the nanoparticles to the polymer lattice. Composite samples were prepared each using five layers of carbon fabric were prepared with alumoxane nanoparticle loadings from 5% to 16%, and characterized by SEM, EDS, and ultrasonic C-scan imaging. Tensile and flexural strength measurements were performed as per ASTM standards. Based upon these results it is clear that the miscibility of the alumoxane nanoparticle in the resin is of prime importance with regard performance. Furthermore, loadings of <5% must be used in order to provide enhanced performance. Despite issues with obtaining uniform compositions, we have shown that highly uniform density composites may be prepared with high aluminum content.