Evaluation of Interfacial and Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber/Poly-Dicyclopentadiene Composites with Different Post Curing at Ambient and Low Temperatures

Abstract

Recently new poly-dicyclopentadiene (p-DCPD) has increasing been used for composites in military, aerospace, and transportation applications due to its favorable impact properties. In this work, the cross-linking density of p-DCPD with different post curing conditions was indirectly measured by thermal analysis using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), weight variation accompanying swelling and density. The effects of the post curing conditions on mechanical properties of p- DCPD and glass fiber (GF)/p-DCPD were determined via tensile, Izod impact, and flexural tests at ambient and low temperatures (-20 oC). Interfacial properties were evaluated by fragmentation and cyclic loading tests. The work of adhesion was determined via Static contact angle using four solvents measurements, to provide the information on the differences in the interfacial properties between GF and p-DCPD. The change of cross-linking density by post curing of p-DCPD affected the mechanical and interfacial properties of GF/p-DCPD composites.