Investigation of mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer incorporating alumina at varying compositions using VARIMC process

This research examines the influence of alumina particles on the mechanical characteristics of epoxy based carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. CFRP composites were fabricated using the vacuum assisted resin infusion microwave curing (VARIMC) technique, with alumina concentrations ranging from 1 wt% to 3 wt% calculated with respect to the epoxy resin matrix. Mechanical properties, including tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength, were evaluated according to ASTM standards. The composite with 2 wt% alumina exhibited the best performance, showing a 49% increase in tensile strength, a 69% increase in flexural strength, and an 86% increase in impact energy relative to virgin CFRP control sample. However, higher alumina concentrations (3 wt%) led to decreased mechanical properties due to particle agglomeration. Strong interfacial bonding between the carbon fibers, alumina particles, and epoxy matrix facilitated efficient stress transfer, resulting in enhanced resistance to fiber detachment compared to the virgin composite.