Influence of Extrusion Temperature on Property of Graphene Oxide-carbon Fiber Hybrid Reinforced Resin Matrix Composites

Abstract The graphene oxide-carbon fiber hybrid reinforced resin matrix (GO-CF/EP) composites were prepared by vacuum infiltration hot-pressing molding process. The effects of extrusion temperature on the microstructure, fracture mechanism and mechanical properties of GO-CF/EP composites were investigated by setting different extrusion temperatures. In the experiments, the extrusion temperature was controlled as 30℃, 40℃, 50℃, 60℃ and 70℃ respectively. It was found that the best mechanical property of composites and infiltration effect of matrix in the fiber gap were obtained at the temperature of 50℃. The bending strength of the material reached 977 MPa through the performance test. The results showed the matrix viscosity was high and the fluidity was poor when the extrusion temperature was low. Poor penetration of the matrix resulted in a large number of fibers failing to bond together. The stress was difficult to transfer to other fibers through the matrix and the strengthening effect of graphene oxide (GO) was weak when the composite was subjected to external force. This phenomenon led to poor mechanical properties of composites. Under the condition of higher temperature, the flow speed of the matrix and the curing speed of composites could be improved. As a result, some of the matrix was solidified in advance while being pressed out, which led to cracks and other defects in the process of loading and affects the mechanical properties of the composites. However, the mechanical properties of the composites with higher extrusion temperature were better than those with lower extrusion temperature due to the existence of graphene oxide in the fiber gap.