Influence of microfillers addition on the flexural properties of carbon fiber reinforced phenolic composites

The effects of microfiller addition on the flexural properties carbon fiber reinforced phenolic (CFRP) matrix composites were investigated. CFRP was produced using colloidal silica and silicon carbide (SiC) microfillers, 2 D woven fibers, two variants resole (HRJ-15881 SP-6877). resins have same phenol solid content but differ in their viscosities HCHO (formaldehyde) content. weight fractions microfillers incorporated into are 0.5 wt.%, 1 1.5 wt.%. Flexural determined a three-point bending test damage evolution under loading investigated optical scanning electron microscopy. results indicated that reinforcement with fibers increased strength HRJ-15881 SP-6877 by 508% 909%, respectively. further SiC particles up to wt.% decreased increase amount particles. On other hand, modulus generally microfiller. Both did not improve decrease is caused agglomeration exhibiting more tendency for than SiC. fractured surfaces revealed breakage, cracking, delamination loading. failure worsened at ≥1.5