Mechanical properties of CFF/MC/SF composite prepared using vacuum infusion impregnation method

Abstract Carbon fiber felt (CFF)/microfine cement (MC)/silica fume (SF) composite was fabricated by using vacuum infusion impregnation method to infiltrate mechanically stirred mixing slurry of MC, SF, and water into CFF. MC, SF, and water were mixed, with a water-cement ratio of 0.5, SF was used to in place of MC in percentages of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35%. Drainage method was used to determine the density of CFF/MC/SF composite. The bending strength and compressive strength of CFF/MC/SF composite were characterized by universal testing machine. The microstructure of the fracture surface of CFF/MC/SF composite was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Toughening mechanism of CFF/MC/SF composite was also analyzed. The results show that the density and mechanical strength of CFF/MC/SF composites first increases and then decreases as SF content increases. Crack propagation process includes several toughening and reinforcing mechanisms, such as, fiber/matrix debonding, fiber bridging, fiber friction, crack deflection, and fiber pull-out. At 20% SF content, the compactness and mechanical strength of the CFF/MC/SF composite are optimum, with density, flexural strength, and compressive strength at 1.53 g/cm 3 , 51.08 MPa, and 53.56 MPa, respectively.