Physical, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fibre/Polyphenylene Sulfide (CF/PPS) Composite at Different Tool Temperatures Fabricated by Hot Press

Abstract

Carbon fibre/polyphenylene sulfide (CF/PPS) composites have gained the attention in the aerospace industry due to its excellent impact strength, fire/smoke/toxicity (FST) performance, and chemical resistance. This study investigated the effect of hot press tool temperatures (Tt) on the physical, thermal, and mechanical on CF/PPS composites. The experimental procedure involved using PCL of CF/PPS composite and subjecting it to hot press forming at different tool temperatures ranging from 150°C to 195°C. The physical properties was characterized by surface energy measurement using the sessile drop method. Thermal properties were evaluated through the degree of crystallinity (DoC) determination using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) where the percentage of the residual weight is calculated. The mechanical properties was assessed using tensile test. From the results, increasing the Tt will enhances the surface energy, improving the adhesion and bonding between the matrix and CF, and the thermal stability of the composite materials. At Tt 180°C, the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of CF/PPS composite component is at their best with the value of surface energy is 35.13%, the DoC is 25.00%, TGA is 74.74% and tensile strength is 793.80 MPa. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between tool temperature and the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of CF/PPS composites, offering guidance for manufacturing processes and composite material design in aerospace and other industries.