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Influence of interphase morphology on adhesion and composite durability in semicrystalline polymer matrix composites

Conference ·
OSTI ID:441486
;  [1]
  1. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (United States)

The microstructure of the interphase in semicrystalline polymer matrix composites has a dramatic influence on their mechanical properties. Studies have been performed to alter this region and to correlate various interphase morphologies with changes in fiber-matrix adhesion. A reinforced nylon 66 composite, when subjected to specific thermal histories, contains an interphase composed of transcrystallinity. This region has been altered by coating fibers with a diluent, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and/or adding the diluent to the matrix material in very small quantities. Interphase morphology was investigated with optical microscopy, and adhesion was measured using a modified fiber pull-out test. It was found that transcrystallinity increases the interfacial shear strength. The effect different interphase morphologies have on the durability of bulk composite samples is currently under investigation.

OSTI ID:
441486
Report Number(s):
CONF-960214--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English