High modulus carbon fiber/titanium laminates

Abstract

Titanium has been used to meet ever-stricter standards for high-temperature performance, creep resistance, low weight and high strength. Having low density, a high melting point, and high tensile strength, it seems like the perfect material for numerous applications. For structural applications where flexural stiffness and strength play the most important role, titanium's high cost can be a restrictive factor. The cost-effectiveness of the material can be increased by using it together with other less expensive high strength and low weight materials in the form of composite laminates. In this investigation, laminates were fabricated using inorganic matrix/high modulus carbon fiber composites with titanium sheets. Laminates were tested in three-point bending to assess the performance of the upgrade. The results show that combining Geopolymer high modulus carbon composites with titanium sheets significantly increases the performance. Laminates provide a lower cost solution for given stiffness and weight requirements compared with other common structural materials, such as steel and aluminum.