FURI | Fall 2019

Stress-Responsive Reinforced Composites via Functionalization of Carbon Fiber

Mechanophores, described as molecules that emit detectable change when induced to force, have been proposed as a potential solution for damage precursor detection in fiber-reinforced polymers. The objective is to determine whether the fluorescent cinnamoyl mechanophore could accurately sense damage when incorporated onto the surface of carbon fiber, a known UV absorber. The carbon fiber surface will be grafted with cinnamoyl mechanophore via ammonia treatment and fabricated into a reinforced polymer composite. Tensile load and fatigue tests will be conducted to test the mechanophore’s damage sensing ability. It is anticipated the mechanophore will show successful fluorescent stress-response.