Novel elastomeric modification of epoxy/carbon fiber composite systems

A new family of elastomeric modifiers were incorporated into a model epoxy based resin and hot-melt impregnated into unidirectional carbon fibers. Two different modifiers were added into the base epoxy at two different compositions and the prepreg quality and final laminate performance was evaluated. It was found that these carboxyl functional cross-linked elastomers provided large increases in the interlaminar fracture toughness as defined by G IC and G IIC when compared with the unmodified prepreg. Along with increasing the laminate properties, the particles were found to increase the tack of prepreg systems. These elastomeric particles were found to overcome many of the shortcomings of conventional epoxy toughening additives.