Improvement in static, impact and fatigue properties of CFRP due to CNBR modification of epoxy matrix

An epoxy matrix of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) was modified usi ng sub-micron Cross-linked acryloNitrile Butadiene Rubber (CNBR) particles tu improve the mechanical properties of CFRP. The static tensile strength i ncreased more than 15% in comparison with the strength of unmodified CFRP w hen the rubber content was 10 wt%. The Young's modulus little changed due t o CNBR modification of the matrix. Fracture toughness and fatigue crack pro pagation resistance under Mode I loading were also improved due to CNBR mod ification. The impact resistance in the flat-wise direction was improved as well. Fatigue lives under tension-tension loading were significantly exten ded by CNBR modification at ail stress ranges, although the slope of the S- N line of CNBR modified CFRP was almost the same as that of unmodified CFRP . Differences in fractured surface and internal damage accumulation process between two CFRPs were found. Fatigue lives also increased fur center hole -notched specimens due to CNBR modification.