Impact performance comparison of carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 and fast‐curing epoxy composites manufactured by resin transfer molding

Abstract In the present paper, we manufactured carbon fiber‐reinforced polyamide‐6 composite (CF‐PA6) by resin transfer molding and compared their impact performance with an equivalent automotive grade epoxy‐matrix composite (CF‐Epoxy). Such comparison is pertinent as the new thermoplastic composite will compete with the traditional thermosetting composite, so impact characterization carried out at the same conditions is necessary for evaluating the possibilities of the new material. The energy dissipation capacity of the CF‐PA6 was 27% higher, the maximum impact‐peak load was 5% smaller, and the damage threshold was similar for both composites. Regarding residual post‐impact properties of samples damaged by a 25 J impact energy, CF‐PA6 retained 62% of its stiffness, 84% of its strength and 67% of its energy dissipation capacity. In contrast, CF‐Epoxy retained 46%, 44% and 40% respectively. Highlights Comparison of impact behavior between CF‐PA6 (RTM) and CF‐Epoxy (RTM). The damage thresholds of both composites were similar (~2.5 J). The penetration and perforation thresholds of CF‐PA6 were 48% and 27% higher. Post‐impact residual property: CF‐PA6 retained 60% of its stiffness.