Preparation and forming properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates by rolling process

In order to study the feasibility and formability of the carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates by rolling proces, it was prepared based on different process and curing scheme. The bending performance and the hot stamping properties of the laminate were analyzed by the three point bending test and stamping experiment. The microstructure of the sample section was observed. Finally, it was compared with the autoclave process. The results show that the comprehensive performance of the laminate obtained by 80℃ pre-curing-rolling-post-curing process is better than those of rolling-curing and curing-rolling process. Under the condition of reduction 0.4 mm, the maximum bending strength and modulus of the laminate increase by 23.8% and 17.4%, respectively, than that of the natural curing samples. Furthermore, the bending strength and modulus are higher than those of the autoclave process. On the stamping process, the reduction and preheating temperature have a significant effect on the forming of the sample. The reasonable reduction can improve the formability and elevated temperature is favorable for the sample formation, however, the higher temperature results in destruction of the specimen and the wrinkle increasing. The main damage area is the punch radius profile at the bottom of the sample, wrinkling along the latitude and longitude direction with fiber into a 45° angle area obvious. The difference of the process has a significant effect on the interlayer combination. Compared with the natural curing, the mechanical properties of the composites are improved after rolling. It provides reference for the recombination of carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite with metal material by rolling process.