A binary resin system of epoxy and phenol-formaldehyde for improving the thermo-mechanical behavior of FRP composites

A binary resin system combing epoxy and phenol–formaldehyde is proposed for improving the thermo-mechanical behavior of FRP composites. Five types of FRP plates with varying resin recipes were fabricated through compression molding process. Thermo-mechanical tests were conducted at various temperatures to evaluate the glass transition temperature and the mechanical properties of FRP plates. Owing to the cross-linking occurred between epoxy and phenol–formaldehyde, proposed binary resin system is able to increase the glass transition temperature as well as to improve the mechanical properties of FRPs. Predictive models are recommended to assist the practical design of FRPs with binary resin system.