Effect of Lamination Method on Bending Properties of CF/E44 Composites Prepared by ICM

T700 CF/E44 composites with six different fiber lamination methods were prepared through the improved compression-molding (ICM) process, and the composites had satisfying macroscopic morphology. The microstructure showed an ideal infiltration effect with no obvious preparation defects, such as voids and delamination. The microstructures of composites of different fiber lamination methods had no obvious differences. The bending strengths of the six composites were 63, 181, 340, 450, 650 and 955 MPa. From the bending fracture, it could be seen that some of the fibers were pulled out and a cavity was formed, but others were pulled off. The fracture was not flat, and the fracture morphology was reasonable. Through further research, it is found that the number of layers perpendicular to the load direction of the bending load is the decisive factor, which determines the bending strength of the composites when the process and preparation materials are the same.