Damping analysis of polyurethane/epoxy graft interpenetrating polymer network composites filled with short carbon fiber and micro hollow glass bead

A series of short carbon fiber (CF) and micro hollow glass bead (HGB) filled polyurethane (PU)/epoxy resin (EP) graft interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composites were prepared. The damping properties, thermal stability properties as well as tensile and impact strength of IPN composites were studied systematically. Results revealed that the addition of short carbon fiber and micro HGB can significantly improve the damping properties of pure PU/EP IPN and can improve the thermal decomposition temperature. Mechanical tests showed that the tensile strength of the IPN composites could be improved after the incorporation of short carbon fiber and micro HGB, while the impact resistance of the composites was impaired after the addition of micro HGB. It is expected that the carbon fiber and micro HGB filled IPN composites may be used as structural damping materials. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.