Polymer matrix composites, and methods of making the same

Abstract

Carbon composites, including carbon fibers in a binder matrix, exhibit unique, advantageous mechanical properties, including inter laminar shear strength, compression strength, and resistance to forces applied at various angles. These improvements allow use of less material while conveying improved strength in myriad practical applications, reducing overall financial cost of fabrication, distribution, and practical utilization. These advantages are optimized via utilizing fabrication techniques that incorporate carbon filaments into carbon fibers, preferably incorporating carbon filaments and/or graphene platelets into said fibers, and incorporating the composite fibers, filaments, and/or graphene platelets into a binder matrix. The filaments and graphene platelets mechanically reinforce individual fibers, structures including multiple fibers strung together in a single cord, and the binder matrix, by 'crosslinking' the individual fibers and/or fibers and binder matrix, e.g., with filaments and/or graphene ligands. The result includes materials exhibiting superior strength and reduced mass relative to conventional carbon fibers in a binder matrix.