Abstract
Carbon aerogels have promising potential in increasing the mechanical and physical properties of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates as a result of the possession of a unique property of porous structure at nanoscale and high specific surface. This study used a fixed amount of CNT (1 wt%) mixed with a different proportion of carbon aerogel by using homogenizer and ultrasonication in process to improve the dispersion of carbon materials. The early stage of the study is aimed at investigating the possibility of adding two types of carbon materials in epoxy matrix. The experimental results indicate that the tensile properties, impact strength and flexural strength of epoxy matrix are proportional to the adding proportions. The later stage of the study is aimed at examining the changing conditions of carbon materials under a variety of environment effects. The experimental results specify that the overall mechanical properties are better when adding 0.1 wt% and 0.2wt% carbon aerogels, when increasing the amount will cause agglomeration. Furthermore, the overall mechanical properties of carbon aerogels are outstanding when in mountain regions. Morphologies of the fracture surface of the specimen are observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to examine and discuss its interface condition and fracture mechanism.