Performance improvement in carbon fiber reinforced polymer-based composites

As the key strategic materials for national security, carbon fibers (CF) and CF reinforced composites must be independently guaranteed. Among them, the amount of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite material accounts for more than 70% of carbon fiber composites. Resin matrix (content over 35 wt%) is one of the two basic materials of CF reinforced polymer composites, which directly determine the service performance and processing of the composites. The Advanced Composites Center (ACC) in Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT) has carried out a series of fundamental and engineering research solve problems about how to prepare domestic high-performance resin matrix for carbon fiber with the aim of meeting the national strategic needs. ACC research team has made great progress in promoting domestic carbon fiber application and the innovation of high-performance domestic CF reinforced polymer composites. Since 2005, ACC research team have developed the resin matrix system and composites which are compatible with Toray T700/T800/T1000 carbon fibers and M40J, M55J high-modulus carbon fibers, and suitable for forming process with wide viscosity range. A series works have been conquered to promote the development of domestic carbon fibers from usable to easy-to-use. Research results have significantly improved the performance of domestic carbon fiber reinforced composites, optimized the preparation technology, and guaranteed the design and supporting capability of advanced weapons. In this paper, the research achievements and technical breakthroughs on CF reinforced polymer-based composites done by ACC research team in recent 10 years are summarized. The details include: (1) The cross-linking structure simulation of resin molecules used for CF. (2) Prediction of the relationship between molecular structure and properties of resins through molecule simulation method. (3) The new mechanism of double interface/double interphase and modulus transition layer for carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. (4) The multiscale toughening and reinforcing methodologies of interfacial phases of carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites. (5) In situ characterization of interface between carbon fiber and resin matrix composites through fluorescence matter. (6) Innovation of methodology for multi-stage/multi-scale toughening and strengthening of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. (7) Innovation in preparation technology of high performance resin materials used for carbon fiber. (8) Processing technology innovation and the related product engineering of CF reinforced polymer composites. The above-mentioned research works of BUCT have been supported by more than 30 projects, such as the National Military and Civilian Population Matching Project, the National Natural Fund Key Project and the National High Technology Research and Development Program (863) of China. And research results have been used in many key defense models of national defense industries, such as aerospace, weapons, nuclear industry, and aviation and so on. It has achieved considerable economic and social benefits and promoted the nationalization process of carbon fiber resin in the field of national defense. In the end, the development trend on high-performance CF reinforced polymer composites is generally prospected. And ACC research team will also tireless promote the whole life cycle usage of CFRP materials and contribute to the healthy and sustainable development of CFRP industry.