Abstract
High strength properties of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) are well known, and it has also been already reported that the strength of CFRP could be improved by dispersing CNF in the matrix resin. However, in the previous work, hydrophobic treatment was required to disperse CNF due to its hydrophilicity. In this study, based on a novel manufacturing method of CFRP by using electro-activated deposition resin molding, CNF without hydrophobic treatment was well dispersed on the surface of CFRP. The process was, firstly, the non-crimp carbon fiber fabric was immersed in an electro-activated deposition solution which includes epoxy groups. And, the fabric was electrically energized and electrodepositioned. Secondly, the CNF dispersion was applied and coated to the surface of CFRP. The electrodeposition solution used in this method is an environmentally friendly aqueous solvent. CNF has good dispersibility in water, hydrophobic treatment was not necessary. After heat curing, the three-point bending test was conducted to confirm the strength properties. As a result, it was found that the flexural modulus was improved by 49% and the bending strength was improved by 41%, comparing to the CFRP without CNF on the surface.
