The influence of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) – polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on the interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRP) is investigated in this study. Baseline composite material is fabricated using novlac epoxy infused carbon fiber prepreg. Glycidyl isobutyl POSS (GI) is introduced in the CFRP at loading of 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt. % with respect to PVP used as a compatibilizer. Results of the double cantilever beam test indicates an increase of 70% in interlaminar fracture toughness for 5 wt. % GI-POSS loading compared to the baseline composite. Scanning electron microscopy shows POSS enhanced the adhesion between fiber and the resin that leads to the fiber pull-out. Dynamic mechanical analysis result captures the reduction in the storage modulus with addition of PVP due to the plasticization effect. Nonetheless, the introduction of POSS increases the storage modulus for the GI/PVP composite. Additionally, an increase in the glass transition temperature with the reinforcement of POSS is observed. Keywords: Interlaminar fracture toughness; Carbon Fiber Reinforced.
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