Papers by Author: Xiao Lan Hu

Abstract: Based on the “ex-situ” toughening concept, thermoplastic nylon (PA) nonwoven fabric with high porosity was chosen as the toughening layer, and the interlaminar toughened composites were fabricated via RTM process. Compression strength after impact (CAI) properties were investigated as well as the toughening mechanism. The results indicated that there is no bicontinuous phase structures formed by reaction-induced phase decomposition and inversion. The PA nonwoven fabrics still kept the original structure in composites interlaminar, and formed a macroscopical bicontinuous structure with the matrix resin, which also showed remarkable toughening effect. The CAI value increased from 212MPa to 281MPa.

Abstract: Multi-walled carbon nanobutes (MWNTs) reinforced epoxy resin nanocomposites were fabricated by functionalizing the MWNTs with amino group. The functionlization of MWNTs was characterized by FTIR, elementary analysis, and TEM, and the MWNTs dispersion was characterized by optical microscopy and SEM. MWNTs functionalization with ethylene diamine improved the nanotube dispersion in the epoxy matrix composites. The dynamic mechanical thermal properties and thermal properties of MWNTs/epoxy nanocomposites are briefly discussed in terms of the MWNT loading and dispersion.