| Abstract [eng] |
The main aim of this work was to determine the effect of the impregnation process on the mechanical properties of continuous carbon fiber reinforced composite structures. Composite specimens for mechanical testing were printed from PLA thermoplastic and carbon fiber using fused deposition modeling technology. Part of the printed specimens was immersed in a mixture of epoxy resin and hardener in a vacuum chamber to eliminate the air cavities in the specimens. Following the impregnation process, the specimens were prepared for three-point bending and tensile testing in accordance with “ASTM 3039“ and “ASTM 7264“ standards. From the obtained test results, the analysis of test curves and stresses was performed. From the graphical expression of the results, the difference in the fracture pattern between the impregnated and non-impregnated specimens was determined. After impregnation, the specimens break once and the force value drops sharply to zero, whereas the non-impregnated specimens have multiple break points and their force curves only gradually decrease towards zero. Although the impregnation process did not change the nature of the rupture of the tensile test pieces, the assumption was made that the impregnation process would have the greatest benefit for printed composite structures with higher parameters. Evaluating the results of the stress obtained, it was found that the impregnation process significantly improves the flexural resistance of the composite specimens printed at higher parameters. |
