| Abstract: | The static delamination behavior of graphite/epoxy composite specimens subjected to mode I tensile opening (using UDCB 1 Uniform double cantilever beam. specimens), and pure mode II shear loading (using ENF 2 End-notched flexural. specimens) were studied. The graphite epoxy composites for the study were made from commercially treated fibers, with and without an electropolymerized interlayer. The mode I fracture energy (GIC) was found to be significantly higher (more than 50 percent) for the coated fibers. However, this improvement was accompanied by a high reduction (more than 3 times) in the mode II fracture energy (GIIC). This effect is apparently related to poor adhesion between the interlayer and the epoxy resin, which may be corrected by use of a “top layer” of appropriate composition to form chemical bonds between the phases. The fracture toughness (KIC) of composites made with commercially treated fibers was also evaluated, using double side-notched specimens. |
