Abstract: Epoxy composites were prepared with E-51,BMI,DDS, and short carbon fiber (SCF) and the effect of the content of SCF on the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites was studied. It was found that when the carbon fiber content was 0.25 %, the mechanical properties of the composites were optimal and the tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and notch impact toughness were increased by 48.52, 32.15, 25.77, and 150.91 % based on than that of EP/BMI/DDS composite without carbon fiber. In addition, carbon fiber improved the thermal properties of the composites.

Key words: epoxy resin, bismaleimide resin, carbon fiber, thermal property, mechanical property, microstructure