5 research outputs found
Simulation of the Elastic Properties of Reinforced Kevlar-Graphene Composites
The compressive strength of unidirectional fiber composites in the form of
Kevlar yarn with a thin outer layer of graphene was investigated and modeled.
Such fiber structure may be fabricated by using a strong chemical bond between
Kevlar yarn and graphene sheets. Chemical functionalization of graphene and
Kevlar may achieved by modification of appropriate surface-bound functional
(e.g., carboxylic acid) groups on their surfaces. In this report we studied
elastic response to unidirectional in-plane applied load with load peaks along
the diameter. The 2D linear elasticity model predicts that significant
strengthening occurs when graphene outer layer radius is about 4 % of kevlar
yarn radius. The polymer chains of Kevlar are linked into locally planar
structure by hydrogen bonds across the chains, with transversal strength
considerably weaker than longitudinal one. This suggests that introducing outer
enveloping layer of graphene, linked to polymer chains by strong chemical bonds
may significantly strengthen Kevlar fiber with respect to transversal
deformations