Fabrication of lightweight and high-strength carbon fiber-reinforced poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalene) solid and foam composites

Abstract

Poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalene) (PEN) is one of the most important engineering polymers with high performance. However, the effects and foaming behavior of carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced PEN (CFRPEN) remain to be explored. In this study, PEN was used as the matrix for CF-reinforced composites, and its foaming behavior and mechanical properties were investigated. High mechanical properties can be evaluated through comparison with other similar CF-reinforced thermoplastic composites. A fabrication method to generate lightweight and high-strength CFRPEN composites is hence proposed.