Impact Value of CFRP/Ti Joint Reinforced by Nickel Coated Carbon Fiber

A nickel coated carbon fiber reinforced joint (Ti/NiCF/CFRP) was suggested and developed between carbon fiber reinforced epoxy polymer (CFRP) and titanium (Ti). The most important point of the new joint method are not only extremely large friction force by broad interface of carbon fiber with 6 mu m-diameter, but also Ni-coating for suppression of TiC formation and enhancement of contact ability of fiber wrapped by molten Ti. The new joint part was strengthened by impregnated nickel-coated carbon fiber (NiCF) and exhibited the high Charpy impact value (a(uc)). Since carefulness for aircraft parts would be necessary, the lowest impact value (a(s)) was defined. It was calculated by the 3-parameter Weibull equation when the fracture probability (P-f) = 0. The a(s) of Ti/NiCF/CFRP was 2.2 kJm(-2), which was higher than that (0.34 kJm(-2)) of the joint sample with glue. Consequently, the new joint method remarkably enhanced the safety level (reliability).