This study addresses the impact performances of recyclable composites made of all thermoplastic polymer-fiber-reinforced plastics (PFRPs), where the reinforcing fibers and matrix are made of thermoplastic polymers. Three woven PFRPs systems were evaluated, including polypropylene fibers, polypropylene matrix, and high-density polyethylene matrix. In low-velocity impact scenario with an impactor speed of less than 6 m/s, our results demonstrate the energy absorption capabilities of the flat laminate PFRPs compared to woven carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) and aluminum alloy 5052. For the systems studied, the PFRPs can reach the specific energy absorption 89% to 115% of the CFRPs. Even compared with the aluminum alloy 5052, the PFRPs can reach up to 97%. We investigate the failure morphologies of the PFRPs using X-ray µCT scans. They reveal the PFRPs’ unique ductile failure morphologies compared to common CFRPs. In addition, we heal the perforated region in the PFRPs by applying the manufacturing process identical to the initial curing process. The healed panels are perforated again, and they recovered 30% to 38% of their original specific energy absorption, a recovery not achievable with CFRPs. This study provides valuable experimental results, and concrete insights into the potential applications of recyclable PFRPs in various engineering fields. It emphasizes their excellent energy-absorbing capability and repairability.
Ko, Seunghyun, Qiao, Yao, Roosendaal, Timothy J, Denny, Adam C, Ramos, Jose L, Shahwan, Khaled W, & Simmons, Kevin L (2024). Low-velocity impact resistance and failure characteristics of all thermoplastic woven polymer-fiber-reinforced plastic composites. Journal of Composite Materials, 59(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/00219983241302541
@article{osti_2586404,
author = {Ko, Seunghyun and Qiao, Yao and Roosendaal, Timothy J and Denny, Adam C and Ramos, Jose L and Shahwan, Khaled W and Simmons, Kevin L},
title = {Low-velocity impact resistance and failure characteristics of all thermoplastic woven polymer-fiber-reinforced plastic composites},
annote = {This study addresses the impact performances of recyclable composites made of all thermoplastic polymer-fiber-reinforced plastics (PFRPs), where the reinforcing fibers and matrix are made of thermoplastic polymers. Three woven PFRPs systems were evaluated, including polypropylene fibers, polypropylene matrix, and high-density polyethylene matrix. In low-velocity impact scenario with an impactor speed of less than 6 m/s, our results demonstrate the energy absorption capabilities of the flat laminate PFRPs compared to woven carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) and aluminum alloy 5052. For the systems studied, the PFRPs can reach the specific energy absorption 89% to 115% of the CFRPs. Even compared with the aluminum alloy 5052, the PFRPs can reach up to 97%. We investigate the failure morphologies of the PFRPs using X-ray µCT scans. They reveal the PFRPs’ unique ductile failure morphologies compared to common CFRPs. In addition, we heal the perforated region in the PFRPs by applying the manufacturing process identical to the initial curing process. The healed panels are perforated again, and they recovered 30% to 38% of their original specific energy absorption, a recovery not achievable with CFRPs. This study provides valuable experimental results, and concrete insights into the potential applications of recyclable PFRPs in various engineering fields. It emphasizes their excellent energy-absorbing capability and repairability.},
doi = {10.1177/00219983241302541},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/2586404},
journal = {Journal of Composite Materials},
issn = {ISSN 1530-793X},
number = {3},
volume = {59},
place = {United States},
publisher = {SAGE Publications},
year = {2024},
month = {12}}
Nondestructive Characterization and Monitoring of Advanced Materials, Aerospace, Civil Infrastructure, and Transportation XVIhttps://doi.org/10.1117/12.2615378