Effect of fiber,matrix and interface properties on the in-plane shear deformation of carbon-fiber reinforced composites

The effect of fiber, matrix and interface properties on the in-plane shear response of carbon-fiber reinforced epoxy laminates was studied by means of a combination of experiments and numerical simulations. Two cross-ply laminates with the same epoxy matrix and different carbon fibers (high-strength and high-modulus) were tested in shear until failure according to ASTM standard D7078, and the progressive development of damage was assessed by optical microscopy in samples tested up to different strains. The composite behavior was also simulated through computational micromechanics, which was able to account for the effect of the constituent properties (fiber, matrix and interface) on the macroscopic shear response. The influence of matrix, fiber and interface properties on each region and on the overall composite behavior was assessed from the experimental results and the numerical simulations. After the initial elastic region, the shear behavior presented two different regions, the first one controlled by matrix yielding and the second one by the elastic deformation of the fibers. It was found that in-plane shear behavior of cross-ply laminates was controlled by the matrix yield strength and the interface strength and was independent of the fiber properties.     

Predicting dynamic in-plane compressive properties of multi-axial multi-layer warp-knitted composites with a meso-model

Proper prediction of material microstructure from known processing conditions and constituent material properties is a critical step to determine the bulk properties of the composite. This paper reports a meso-structure model of multi-axial multi-layer warp-knitted (MMWK) composites from an elastic–plastic material model considering the strain rate effect for the components of the MMWK composite. The representative unit cell (RUC) of fiber tow is created to obtain the elastic–plastic parameters of the fiber tow. The 3D meso-structure model of the MMWK composite is based on an idealized geometrical model according to the preform structure of the MMWK fabric. The model is used to investigate the effect of the volume fraction of the knitting yarn on the dynamic in-plane compressive properties. The results show that the fiber tow failure at large extent is mainly caused by the micro cracking of the matrix, and the effects of the knitting yarn on the mechanical properties of MMWK composite are very limited. Particularly, MMWK composites could be considered as laminates when the volume fraction of the knitting yarn is low, such as below 1.5%. Experiments were also conducted to validate the results from the simplified meso-structure model of the MMWK composite. The material is found to be strain rate sensitive, and the experimental and predicted results agree well with respect to the compressive strength and modulus of the composite. This confirms that the meso-structure MMWK composite model proposed is capable of capturing the essential features for the response of the composite under different strain rate conditions at the meso-level.     

Effects of hydrothermal aging on glass–fiber/polyetherimide (PEI) composites

The moisture absorption behavior and the influence of moisture on thermal and mechanical properties of glass–fiber/polyetherimide (PEI) laminates have been investigated. The laminates were exposed to hydrothermal aging at two different temperatures and high moisture rates. The properties of as-received and hydrothermally aged samples were compared. The hydrothermally aged laminates contained a large amount of moisture which caused decrease in the glass transition temperature and deterioration in mechanical properties (interlaminar shear strength, flexural modulus, bearing strength, etc.). Fractographic analysis revealed interfacial debonding as the dominant failure mechanism, indicating a strong influence of water degradation on fracture toughness results. Alterations in visco-elastic properties of glass/PEI composite which was exposed to hydrothermal aging were analyzed with the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) method. DMTA tests give evidence of plasticization of the PEI matrix.     

Hygrothermal effects on the shear properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites

The environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, can limit the applications of composites by deteriorating the mechanical properties over a period of time. Environmental factors play an important role during the manufacture step and during composite’s life cycle. The degradation of composites due to environmental effects is mainly caused by chemical and/or physical damages in the polymer matrix, loss of adhesion at the fiber/matrix interface, and/or reduction of fiber strength and stiffness. Composite’s degradation can be measure by shear tests because shear failure is a matrix dominated property. In this work, the influence of moisture in shear properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites (laminates [0/0]_s and [0/90]_s) have been investigated. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) was measured by using the short beam shear test, and Iosipescu shear strength and modulus (G ₁₂) have been determinated by using the Iosipescu test. Results for laminates [0/0]_s and [0/90]_s, after hygrothermal conditioning, exhibited a reduction of 21% and 18% on the interlaminar shear strenght, respectively, when compared to the unconditioned samples. Shear modulus follows the same trend. A reduction of 14.1 and 17.6% was found for [0/0]_s and [0/90]_s, respectively, when compared to the unconditioned samples. Microstructural observations of the fracture surfaces by optical and scanning electron microscopies showed typical damage mechanisms for laminates [0/0]_s and [0/90]_s.     

阳极氧化工艺对纤维-铝合金层板力学性能的影响

通过改变铝合金表面阳极氧化工艺参数, 研究了阳极氧化电压和时间对玻璃纤维-铝合金(GLARE)层板抗拉强度和层间剪切强度的影响。通过SEM观察了铝合金表面Al₂O₃多孔膜和层板断面形貌, 分析了铝合金/树脂胶接界面对层板力学性能的影响。结果表明, 阳极氧化电压为20 V时, GLARE层板抗拉强度和层间剪切强度随着阳极氧化时间延长而增大, 在20 min时出现最大值, 继续延长阳极氧化时间, 层板强度随之下降; 阳极氧化时间为20 min时, GLARE层板抗拉强度和层间剪切强度随着阳极氧化电压增大而增大, 在20 V时出现最大值, 继续增大电压, 强度随之下降。     

Influence of stamping on the compressive behavior and the damage mechanisms of C/PEEK laminates bolted joints under severe conditions

Bolted joint tests have been performed in order to evaluate the influence of stamping on the behavior of thermoplastic-based woven-ply laminates subjected to structural loadings under severe service conditions (120 °C after hygrothermal aging). Compressive tests have been carried out on carbon fabrics reinforced PolyEtherEtherKetone (PEEK) laminates to investigate fibers buckling due to changes induced by stamping on the non-planar interply structure of woven-ply laminates. As compressive strength decreases by 13% in stamped laminates, it facilitates the plastic buckling of 0° and ±45° oriented fibers due to compressive loads in bolted joints. Contrary to double-lap joints, stamping does not affect the strength of single-lap joints, as the geometry of single-lap joints is non-symmetric. Stamping modifies the damage mechanisms of PEEK-based laminates under bolt-bearing loadings, such as the failure of stamped bolted joints is dominated by bearing failure mode.     

碳纳米管-玻璃纤维/环氧层板双真空灌注工艺及性能

针对碳纳米管(CNT)-玻璃纤维/环氧树脂体系, 采用传统的真空灌注工艺(VARIM)和双真空灌注工艺(DVARIM)制备复合材料层板, 分析了不同工艺方法下层板缺陷状况, 测试了层板的弯曲性能和层间剪切性能, 并结合树脂性能和纤维/树脂界面粘结状况观察, 探讨了DVARIM对CNT分布的影响及碳管的增强机制。结果表明: 与传统的VARIM相比, DVARIM能增加纤维的间距, 提高树脂对纤维的浸润能力, 减小纤维束内的孔隙缺陷; 添加质量分数为0.05％的酸化CNT后层板性能提高, 而且采用DVARIM性能提高更明显; 不同灌注工艺对CNT的分布产生影响, 从而改变了CNT对纤维/树脂界面粘接的影响, 同时这种影响与织物结构的紧密程度有关。      

Effect of fiber surface texture on the mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite

The effect of fiber sizing and surface texture on the strength and energy absorbing capacity of fiber reinforced composites has been evaluated at two length scales using the macromechanical quasi-static punch shear test and the micromechanical microdroplet test methods. E-Glass/SC-79 epoxy composite laminates with four different fiber sizing formulations with various degrees of chemical bonding and surface texture have been investigated. The failure modes during perforation and different energy dissipating damage mechanisms were identified and quantified. The punch shear strength and the total energy absorption per unit volume of composite with hybrid sizing have increased by 48% and 100% over the incompatible sizing. These results showed linear correlations with the interphase properties reported earlier by the authors (Gao et al., 2011) and provided a methodology for developing new sizing by tailoring chemical bonding and the fiber surface texture at the fiber–matrix interphase for improving both strength and energy absorption of composites.     

风电叶片玻璃纤维层合板的力学性能试验研究

针对风电叶片玻璃纤维层合板的力学性能进行试验研究,确定其主要力学性能参数,分析各种铺层、测试方向及配方因素对玻璃纤维层合板力学性能的影响。依据BS EN ISO测试标准,应用微机控制万能试验机、应变仪对风电叶片玻璃纤维层合板进行拉伸、压缩及剪切破坏试验,得到试件的拉伸、压缩、剪切强度及弹性模量、泊松比等力学性能,并对四...     

Post fire behavior of carbon fibers Polyphenylene Sulfide- and epoxy-based laminates for aeronautical applications: A comparative study

Through the comparison of two carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (Epoxy and Polyphenylene Sulfide – PPS), this work was aimed at investigating the influence of different fire conditions on the high temperature tensile mechanical behavior. In order to better understand the influence of matrix nature on post-fire properties, the fiber – or matrix-dominated mechanical responses of laminates have been investigated by means of quasi-isotropic or angle-ply stacking sequences. Compared to carbon/PPS laminates, the mechanical properties of carbon/Epoxy laminates are higher in the virgin state (no prior fire exposure). The analysis of the post fire tensile properties shows that prior severe fire exposures are more detrimental to carbon/Epoxy than to carbon/PPS laminates. Although the PPS matrix behavior is highly ductile at a test temperature higher than glass transition temperature, it clearly appears that the decrease in the tensile properties laminates of PPS-based composites is much slower than the one observed in carbon/Epoxy laminates subjected to severe prior fire conditions. Provided the heat flux is high enough to lead to the outset of pyrolysis, PPS-based composites yield higher amounts of char, whose formation retains the structural integrity of fire-damaged composites.     

Effects of nano-sized and micro-sized carbon fibers on the interlaminar shear strength and tribological properties of high strength glass fabric/phenolic laminate in water environment

In order to clarify the effects of carbon fiber size on the properties of carbon fiber/high strength glass fabric (HSGF)/phenolic laminate, two kinds of laminates modified by nano-sized carbon fibers (CNFs) and micro-sized carbon fibers (CMFs), were respectively fabricated. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and tribological properties of HSGF/phenolic laminates modified by CNFs and CMFs in water environment were comparatively investigated. Results showed that CNFs at proper contents ranging from 1.0% to 3.0% can enhance ILSS of HSGF/phenolic laminate, while CMFs deteriorated the ILSS. After water immersion, ILSS of the laminates modified by CNFs at 1.0–3.0% were just slightly decreased; however, those of the laminates modified by CMFs suffered larger drop. On the other hand, however, CMFs were more effective than CNFs in improving the wear resistance of HSGF/phenolic laminate in water.     

Evaluation of the interfacial properties of polypropylene composite laminates,reinforced with paper sheets

Laminates, composed of different papers and polypropylene (PP), were fabricated by a manual stacking and hot pressing. The laminates were characterized by mechanical testing and the results were compared to glass fiber reinforced PP. Furthermore, a detailed evaluation of the interfacial properties and the paper structures was carried out by means of data modeling via rule of mixtures (ROM), as well as electron microscope (SEM) analysis. For investigating the influence of the laminate’s composition on the water adsorption behavior, water diffusion coefficients were determined. As a result, laminates with a tensile modulus up to 6 GPa and a tensile strength of 80 MPa were obtained. The property changes of the papers upon processing were successfully modeled, revealing a significant increase of the paper’s mechanical properties after fiber embedding. In general, the obtained results indicate a high potential of paper as a suitable reinforcement material for low to middle strained applications.     

The effect of moisture on the shear properties of carbon fibre composites

A study was made of the effect of moisture on the mechanical properties of composites (carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy resins) which are dominated by the matrix or matrix/fibre interface. Such properties are the interlaminar shear strength in unidirectional laminates and tensile strength in (± 45) laminates. Unidirectional material was either immersed in boiling water or aged in a hot-humid atmosphere and then the interlaminar shear strength was measured at room temperature in short beam bending. The values obtained were found to be independent of the mode of exposure but depended on the amount of moisture present in the composite. The (± 45) material was aged at 70°C and 95% relative humidity to accelerate the moisture uptake and then tested at 20°C, 70°C, 110°C and 130°C. At test temperatures above 70°C the tensile strength decreased as the composite absorbed moisture. Plasticization, swelling and debonding were identified as the factors affecting the failure mechanisms in these laminates.     

碳纤维增强聚酰亚胺树脂基复合材料MT300/KH420高温力学性能(I)——拉伸和层间剪切性能

研究了碳纤维增强聚酰亚胺树脂基复合材料MT300/KH420的高温力学性能, 重点揭示了MT300/KH420的[0°]₇、[0°]₁₄ 和[±45°/0°/90°/+45°/0°₂]_s层合板在常温~500 ℃的拉伸和层间剪切性能的变化规律。结果表明:在350 ℃以内,[0°]₇层合板拉伸强度随温度升高有所提高, 拉伸模量几乎不变, 在420 ℃时拉伸强度和模量均出现明显下降, 在500 ℃时分别保持在65%和83%以上, 表现出优异的高温拉伸性能。MT300/KH420的[0°]₁₄层合板层间剪切强度在常温~420 ℃随温度升高不断降低至52.8%, 在高温下呈现出黏弹效应, 且在420 ℃时最为明显。相比于单向层合板, [±45°/0°/90°/+45°/0°₂]_s多向层合板高温力学性能较为稳定, 且由纤维控制的纵向试件力学性能受温度影响较小。      

Effects of the interface on the mechanical response of CF/EP microcomposites and macrocomposites

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the interfacial bond quality on the mechanical response of composite laminates, for example an epoxy matrix reinforced by continuous carbon fibres of varying surface coating. The fibre/matrix adhesion was characterized by determining the interfacial shear strength τ_i in single-fibre fragmentation and microdroplet pull-off tests. The failure mechanisms were deduced from the stress birefringent patterns (fragmentation test) and from fractographic analysis in a scanning electron microscope (microdroplet pull-off test). Selected interface-relevant properties were evaluated in mechanical tests on laminates. The present paper highlights the problems related to the micromechanical characterization and the interface relevance of data resulting from transverse tensile, transverse flexure and interlaminar shear tests. Furthermore, the effects of the interface on the impact performance of unidirectional and cross-ply laminates were studied. Attempts were made to correlate the macroscopic mechanical response with the interface-related characteristics (τ_i and failure mechanisms).     

About the influence of temperature and matrix ductility on the behavior of carbon woven-ply PPS or epoxy laminates: Notched and unnotched laminates

Could thermoplastic-based composites be used to replace thermosetting-based composites in high-temperature secondary aircraft structures? The purpose of this work is to establish the ability of a material system to be used in aircraft engine nacelles when subjected to static loadings, with a key upper temperature of 120 °C. In order to provide answers to this question, the thermo-mechanical behaviors of carbon fiber fabric reinforced PPS or epoxy laminates have been compared specifically within the temperature change with 120 °C at the upper bound. The temperature-dependent ductile behavior of laminates is more or less exacerbated, depending on polymers glass transition temperature, and laminates stacking sequence. For both materials, the degree of retention of tensile mechanical properties is quite high in notched and unnotched quasi-isotropic laminates. A Digital Image Correlation technique has been used in order to understand the influence of temperature and matrix ductility on the mechanisms of overstresses accommodation near the hole. In fabric reinforced laminates, the high-temperature results suggest a competition between the mechanisms of damage, and the mechanism of plasticization, enhanced in angle-ply lay-ups. Thus, the highly ductile behavior of TP-based laminates, at temperatures higher than their T_g, is very effective to accommodate the overstresses near the hole.     

基于细观力学的大开孔层合板缝合补强力学性能计算的新方法基于细观力学的大开孔层合板缝合补强力学性能计算的新方法

从细观力学的角度出发,考虑了面内纤维弯曲及富树脂缺陷,建立了大开孔层合板缝合补强孔边针脚损伤的单胞模型。建立了纤维弯曲函数,推导了纤维弯曲区域的纤维体积分数及纤维弯曲角度。基于复合材料力学分析方法,计算得出了单胞的材料弹性常数。研究表明:缝合导致单胞面内纤维最大弯曲角不超过20°,单层板纵向杨氏模量减小,横向杨氏模量、剪切模量及泊松比均增大,变化幅度均在-8%~20%之间;且对于大开孔层合板缝合补强而言,针距变化引起的材料性能变化相对边距大许多。由上述计算结果,建立了一种缝合补强大开孔层合板力学性能计算的新方法,同时引入针孔模拟针脚处的应力集中现象,结果表明:缝合会造成层合板面内力学性能降低,并且对面内的压缩性能影响大于对面内拉伸性能的影响。      

Tribo-mechanical characterization of reinforced epoxy resin under dry and lubricated contact conditions

The aim of the present work is to investigate the influence of the reinforcing material and architecture on the voids content, mechanical properties and tribological behavior of fiber reinforced epoxy composite laminates manufactured by VARTM under different processing conditions. Two different textile architectures, namely unidirectional non-crimp fabrics (UD) and 0/90 plain wave (PW), were considered, reinforcing an EPIKOTE RIMR 135 epoxy matrix with glass (GF) as well as carbon (CF) continuous fibers. Optical observations revealed an unexpected trend relatively to the intra- and inter-bundle voids concentration with respect to the impregnation velocity, especially using UD-CF and UD-GF reinforcements and low impregnation rate. Tensile and three points bending tests highlighted the dominant role of fiber material and architecture on mechanical properties, whereas the presence of voids played a minor role with respect to the analyzed features. Tribological outcomes evidenced a reduction of the friction coefficient (μ) when the resin is reinforced by carbon or glass fibers. The lowest values were detected when the sliding direction of the counterbody is oriented parallel to the fiber direction for UD samples. Further reduction of μ, for both UD and PW specimens, was obtained by interposing a lubricant at the interface.     

Structurally stitched NCF CFRP laminates. Part 1: Experimental characterization of in-plane and out-of-plane properties

The insertion of local through-thickness reinforcements into dry fiber preforms by stitching provides a possibility to improve the mechanical performance of polymer-matrix composites perpendicular to the laminate plane (out-of-plane). Three-dimensional stress states can be sustained by stitching yarns, leading to increased out-of-plane properties, such as impact resistance and damage tolerance. On the other hand, 3D reinforcements induce dislocations of the in-plane fibers causing fiber waviness and the formation of resin pockets in the stitch vicinity after resin infusion which may reduce the in-plane stiffness and strength properties of the laminate.In the present paper an experimental study on the influence of varying stitching parameters on in-plane and out-of-plane properties of non-crimp fabric (NCF) carbon fiber/epoxy laminates is presented, namely, shear modulus and strength as well as compression after impact (CAI) strength and mode I energy release rate. The direction of stitching, thread diameter, spacing and pitch length as well as the direction of loading (which is to be interpreted as the direction of the three rail shear loading or the direction of crack propagation in case of mode 1 energy release rate testing) were varied, and their effect on the mechanical properties was evaluated statistically.The stitching parameters were found to have ambivalent effect on the mechanical properties. Larger thread diameters and increased stitch densities result in enhanced CAI strengths and energy release rates but deteriorate the in-plane properties of the laminate. On the other hand, a good compromise between both effects can be found with a proper selection of the stitching configurations.     

模压工艺对玻璃纤维增强聚丙烯复合材料层合板力学性能的影响

利用热模压工艺制备玻璃纤维增强聚丙烯（GF/PP）复合材料层合板,通过差示扫描量热（DSC）法试验分析,确定相变参数,运用ANSYS有限元分析,将复合材料热力学参数与温度的非线性关系定义到材料特性中,研究模压成型过程中温度场变化情况,为模压成型工艺制度的确立提供理论指导和依据。以压缩强度、层间剪切强度和冲击韧性作为力学性能评价指标,采用响应曲面法探讨和分析制备工艺对GF/PP复合材料层合板力学性能的影响,得到最优模压工艺制备参数,获得最高复合材料层合板力学性能,为GF/PP复合材料自动铺放奠定铺放工艺基础。试验结果表明:模压加热工艺参数对复合材料层合板力学性能的影响度（从大到小）依次为:热压温度、热压时间、热压压力。较优的模压加热工艺参数为:热压温度228℃、热压时间6 min、热压压力1.1 MPa,在此工艺条件下制备的GF/PP复合材料层合板,层间剪切强度为31.12 MPa,压缩强度为100.96 MPa,冲击韧性为2.27 kJ/cm2。