Application of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforced resin in suppressing damages in CFRP laminate with complex internal structures

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K20414
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0301:Mechanics of materials, production engineering, design engineering, fluid engineering, thermal engineering, mechanical dynamics, robotics, aerospace engineering, marine and maritime engineering, and related fields
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Science
• Principal Investigator: FIKRY MOHAMMAD 東京理科大学, 創域理工学部機械航空宇宙工学科, 助教 (90962548)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-08-31 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: CFRP laminate / Damage suppression / Fiber discontinuity / Cellulose nanofiber / Composite Materials

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study is to effectively employ cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforced resin in between plies of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) laminates to increase its interlaminar fracture toughness. To do so, the mechanism of enhancement of interlaminar fracture toughness by using CNF reinforced resin is being experimentally clarified. In this study, a technology for localizing CNF reinforced resin composites in CFRP laminates was developed. Besides, the optimal conditions for amount of CNF reinforced resin applied in the CFRP interlayer were also determined. The CNF reinforced resin was then applied to CFRP laminates with complicated internal structures to suppress its damages.

Free Research Field

Composites Engineering

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

The introduction of CNF reinforced resin in CFRP laminates demonstrates that it is possible to prevent the development of delamination that leads to material failure. This represents a groundbreaking technology that significantly contributes to the broader application of composites.