Tailoring Epoxy / Glass Composites: Characterization of Interphase Properties

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This proposal reviews and summarizes our recent efforts in nanostructuring multifunctional inter-phases, characterizing their structure and properties. Based on the progress made in the first funding period, the main goal of the intended research is to further develop fundamental knowledge on inter-phase phenomena of the most widely utilized glass fibre reinforced epoxy system. The work compri-ses mainly three parts: i) Structure: Interphase formation associated with nanoreinforcements, solid orientation/distribution/modification; ii) Properties: multiscale evaluation of both mechanical and physi-cal properties, with an emphasis on using interphase self-diagnosing capabilities as developed in the first funding period; iii) Characterization: mapping fundamental physical parameters and chemical composition of interphase. Various thermal/elasticity/electricity mapping techniques (nano-TA, force volume nanoindentation, electric force microscopy) are employed for collecting relevant data. In conclusion, the nanoscale dimensions, sensitive electronic detection, and flexible structure control of interphase between most widely used reinforcement-glass fibre and epoxy hold immense promise for new generations of composites with intelligent sensing capability.