Improved mechanical and fire-retardant properties of fiber-reinforced composites manufactured via modified resins and metallic thin films
International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, vol.133, no.9-10, pp.4715-4730, 2024 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 133 Issue: 9-10
- Publication Date: 2024
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s00170-024-13965-2
- Journal Name: International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, IBZ Online, Compendex, INSPEC, DIALNET
- Page Numbers: pp.4715-4730
- Keywords: Fiber-reinforced composites, Flame retardancy, Mechanical strengths, Metallic thin film coating, Modified resin
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Fiber-reinforced polymeric composites have been extensively used in different industrial applications because of their excellent mechanical and other properties but have lower tolerance levels for fire and lightning damage. The thermal, mechanical, and electrical conductivity of these composites can be substantially increased using some thin metallic films for higher fire resistance. The objective of this study was to develop fire-retardant fiber-reinforced composites using modified resins and metallic copper (Cu) thin films and test and characterize the mechanical and thermal properties of these prepared composites. Standard hand wet layup process was used to manufacture composite panels, and then the flame retardant and other physical and chemical properties were determined before and after resin modification and surface metal film coatings. These modified resins and the conductive metallic films of the composite provided superior flame retardancy and higher mechanical strength. The prepared composite panels made from modified epoxy via 9,10-dihydro-9-oxo-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) inclusion and with metallic surface coatings passed the UL-94 vertical flame testing with a V-0 rating. This composite achieved an average flexural strength of 344.2 MPa, a mean tensile strength of 400.82 MPa, and a shear strength of 6.54 MPa for single lap shear joint studies. Fractography results also show better bonding of the matrix and fiber with no significant damage. This study may open new opportunities in various composite industries.