Application of carbon fiber in epoxy resin reinforcing in racing

Abstract

This paper studies the properties (including mechanical properties, heat and water resistance properties) of a composite material which is manufactured by using hand lay-up laminate molding process with epoxy resin system of low viscosity and moderate temperature curing as matrix materials and carbon fiber as enhancement materials. And for the obtained composite material, the author points out that it could be applied to large structures of racing car. The research indicates that the material has good comprehensive properties at normal temperature, and its tensile strength decrease with the designed temperature increase. However, it can retain over 50% strength at temperature 160°C and its integrated properties go down when stewing in boiling water for 24 hours, as well as the decreasing degree of bending strength is greater than tensile strength. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.