Interlaminar shear strength of carbon fiber reinforced polymers containing hollow silica particles and development of microcapsules using hollow silica particles

Abstract

This study examines the apparent interlaminar shear strength of spread carbon fiber (SCF)/epoxy (EP) laminates containing hollow silica particles. Short beam shear specimens of unidirectional SCF/EP laminates containing hollow silica particles were fabricated and tested. The effect of hollow silica particle concentration and diameter on the apparent interlaminar shear strength of the laminates was discussed. The damage area of specimens was also examined by an optical microscope. The results demonstrated that the apparent interlaminar shear strength of SCF/EP laminates containing hollow silica particles was higher than that of SCF/EP laminates with urea-formaldehyde microcapsules. In addition, procedures for making microcapsules of hollow silica particles was investigated.