Effects of stitch density and stitch thread thickness on mode II delamination properties of Vectran stitched composites. (November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Herwan, J.; Kondo, A.; Morooka, S.; Watanabe, N.
• Is Part Of: Plastics, rubber, and composites. Volume 43:Number 9(2014)
• Page Start: 300
• Page End: 308
• Publication Date: 2014-11
• Subjects: CFRP, -- 3D reinforcement, -- Stitching, -- Delamination, -- Mode II, -- Interlaminar shear toughness; Plastics -- Periodicals; Rubber -- Periodicals; Polymeric composites -- Periodicals; Polymer engineering -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1179/1743289814Y.0000000103
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-8011

Abstract

Abstract : Mode II delamination properties of Vectran stitched composites were investigated, and tabbed end notch flexural specimen testing was used to prevent premature failure. The effects of stitch density and stitch thread thickness were explored, and fibre compaction due to the stitching process was also verified. The results show that, in moderately stitched laminates (low stitch density), the improvement in G IIC was negligible. Crack bridging by the stitch threads at the crack zone were mostly compensated for the effect of fibre compaction, which reduced the G IIC values. Conversely, in densely stitched laminates (high stitch density), G IIC values were improved significantly (2·4 times higher than those of unstitched laminates). The effects of stitch thread thickness appeared to be negligible in moderately stitched laminates. For densely stitched laminates, thicker stitch thread (500 denier) possessed G IIC values that were 45·7% higher than thinner stitch thread (200 denier).