Interactions between the matrix, fibers and interface and their influence on the prediction of mechanical properties of uniaxial laminae
- Univ. of Surrey, Guildford (United Kingdom)
- Univ. of Waikato, Hamilton (New Zealand)
Micromechanics of composites is concerned with the prediction of properties of composite laminae from the measured properties of the constituents. In the case of simple uniaxial laminae, which are the building blocks for more complex laminates, these are the fiber, the matrix and the interface, or interphase where appropriate. The system under study is a high strength carbon-fiber in a simple epoxy-resin. The carbon-fiber has been surface treated to different ``levels`` to vary the interface strength. The longitudinal tensile strength of the fibers and the composite appears to be only marginally dependent on the interface strength but is affected by the choice of resin matrix. A novel ``hybrid sandwich test`` has been developed to provide a statistical strength distribution for the ``bulk`` resin and for transverse laminae incorporating the fibers. The results show that the resin has a greater overall strain to failure than the transverse lamina, but transverse laminae made with high interface strength are stronger than the resin alone. However, laminae with weak interfaces are weaker than the resin. One conclusion is that the resin in the composite has properties significantly different from those measured in the bulk.
- OSTI ID:
- 89836
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9409291--; ISBN 1-56676-220-0
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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