Enhanced mechanical properties of ramie fabric/epoxy composite laminates by silicon polymer

Replacing artificial fibers with natural fibers to fabricate fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites is a research hotspot at present. How to improve the poor compatibility between plant fiber and resin matrix is hot spots in this area. Our work is aim to modify RFF reinforced epoxy resin (RFF/EP) composite laminates with silicon polymer (PSOL) and improve the performance of the composite laminates. The results indicate that the inter-facial adhesion between EP and RFF was effectively improved after PSOL modification, which enhance the mechanical properties (including interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength and tensile strength) of the PSOL/ RFF/EP composite laminates. And the thermal stability of the modified composite laminates is maintained as the RFF/EP composite laminate. This method further expands the potential application for natural fibers to replace artificial fibers.