Tailored flexibility in inherently brittle epoxy-based composites through gradient interphase formation with bio-based thermoplastic elastomer grades

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Publication date
05.07.2023
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01A - Journal article
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Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
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Volume
173
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Elsevier
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Amsterdam
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Abstract
This study focuses on tailoring elastic behaviour in an inherently brittle epoxy-based fibre-reinforced composite material formed through a gradient interphase with a bio-based thermoplastic elastomer. The fast-curing epoxy Araldite LY3585/Aradur 3475 was tested with two bio-based Pebax block copolymer grades. First, the interphase was characterised via optical hot-stage microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The analysis unveiled pronounced diffusion followed by a reaction-induced phase separation, which led to the formation of an interphase with a thickness exceeding 200 μm at the temperatures associated with the curing process. Second, composite laminates were fabricated through a combined process of fused filament fabrication and vacuum infusion, incorporating a flexible domain with variable stiffness properties. The material architecture exhibited brittle-to-ductile behaviour at the micrometre scale, with tailored flexible response under bending and stiff behaviour in tension. Consequently, the study anticipates using multi-scale toughened material structures for more efficient generative design concepts.
Keywords
multifunctional composites, interface/interphase, microstructures, microstructural analysis, vacuum infusion
Subject (DDC)
600 - Technik
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ISBN
ISSN
1359-835X
Language
English
Created during FHNW affiliation
Yes
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Publication status
Published
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Peer review of the complete publication
Open access category
Hybrid
License
'https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/'
Citation
ZWEIFEL, Lucian, Julian KUPSKI und Christian BRAUNER, 2023. Tailored flexibility in inherently brittle epoxy-based composites through gradient interphase formation with bio-based thermoplastic elastomer grades. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. 5 Juli 2023. Bd. 173. DOI 10.1016/j.compositesa.2023.107679. Verfügbar unter: https://doi.org/10.26041/fhnw-5776