Mechanical Analysis of Nickel Particle-Coated Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Advanced Structural Applications

Nickel particles were deposited on carbon fiber (CF) via a facile electroless coating method at various coating times intended for advanced structural application. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrates that, with progressive coating, particle size and density of Ni over the CF surface increase. The influence of electroless surface modification and coating time on static and dynamic mechanical properties of CF-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites was investigated by short beam, flexural test, and dynamical mechanical analysis. Results summarize that composite reinforced with CF and a layer of Ni particle exhibits significant improvement in static and dynamic mechanical properties compared to unsized CF. Presence of Ni on CF surface improves mechanical interlocking of CF through the polymer and greatly enhances the interfacial adhesion between CF and epoxy. Study reveals that static and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites are strongly dependent on coating time.