Impact of nanoparticles on the process‐induced distortions of carbon fiber reinforced plastics: An experimental and simulative approach

ABSTRACT This article investigates the potential of aluminum oxide nanoparticles for the reduction of process‐induced distortions of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). Therefore the matrix properties, which affect the distortions, are experimentally and mechanistically analyzed in detail at various particle contents. The results clearly show an increasing impact of raised particle content on gelation, chemical and thermal shrinkage, on Young's modulus, as well as on Poisson's ratio. These alterations can be successfully transferred to reduce spring‐in of L‐shaped CFRP brackets, which are manufactured by infusion technology. However, it is found that particle contents higher than 5 wt % are needed to influence these parameters. For further understanding of the parameters controlling spring‐in, a numerical sensitivity analysis is performed by the correlation of various matrix parameters and the induced distortions. The results from a structural simulation reveal that changes in thermal and chemical shrinkage as well as in gelation have a major impact on the distortions, but the modes of action of the particles also have to be taken into consideration. These mechanistical insights about nanoparticle impacts might be a valuable approach to lower or overcome distortions in composite materials in the future. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47031.