Interlaminar fracture micro-mechanisms in toughened carbon fibre reinforced plastics investigated via synchrotron radiation computed tomography and laminography. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Borstnar, G.; Mavrogordato, M.N.; Helfen, L.; Sinclair, I.; Spearing, S.M.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 71(2015)
• Page Start: 176
• Page End: 183
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) -- A. Particle-reinforcement -- B. Delamination -- D. Non-destructive testing; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.01.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: Synchrotron Radiation Computed Tomography (SRCT) and Synchrotron Radiation Computed Laminography (SRCL) permit 3D non-destructive evaluation of fracture micro-mechanisms at high spatial resolutions. Two types of particle-toughened Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites were loaded to allow crack growth in Modes I and II to be isolated and observed in standard and non-standard specimen geometries. Both materials failed in complex and distinct failure modes, showing that interlaminar fracture in these materials involves a process zone rather than a singular crack tip. The work indicates that incorporating particle/resin, fibre/interlayer and neat resin failure is essential within models for material response, since the competition between these mechanisms to provide the energetically favourable crack path influences the macro-scale toughness. The work uniquely combines the strengths of SRCT and SRCL to compare failure micro-mechanisms between two specimen geometries, whilst assessing any edge effects and providing powerful insight into the complex micro-mechanical behaviour of these materials.