Properties of GFRP Using Matrix Resin of Epoxy/Zcrylate Interpenetrating Polymer Network
Kiichi HASEGAWA, Hiroshi HIRANO, Joji KADOTA, Masahiro ABE, Satoshi MATSUDA, Hajime KISHI and Atsushi MURAKAMI
Abstract:Epoxy resin is used for structural engineering applications such as adhesives and matrix of composite materials. However, epoxy resin have one undesirable property with a poor resistance to crack initiation and growth. Recently many attempts have been made to improve in the fracture toughness of epoxy resin by forming interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) with acrylate. In this studyC the mechanical properties and the microscopic structure of Epoxy/Acrylate IPN and its glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRPs) were investigated. The mode I and II interlaminar fracture toughness Gic and GIIc of the GFRP were improved by introducing the IPN into the matrix resin. The shear deformation can be observed on the fracture surface of the epoxy/acrylate matrix composites. The increase in the ductility of the matrix resin would be contributed to the enhancement of the fracture toughness. Key Words:Epoxy resin, Acrylate resin, Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN), Glass Fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), Fracture toughness