Particle-toughened interlayers enhance mechanical response of composite laminates. (29th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Minh Hoang; Davidson, Paul; Waas, Anthony M.
• Is Part Of: Composites science and technology. Volume 182(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-09-29
• Subjects: Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) -- Shear behavior -- Non-linear behavior -- Particles-toughened interfaces -- Microscopy inspection -- Failure -- Transverse cracks -- Micro-cracks -- Delamination; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Fibrous composites; Periodicals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2019.107761
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-3538

Abstract

Abstract: Toughened composite materials, where the toughening agents are micro-particles dispersed within the interlayer resin rich regions, provide enhanced delamination resistance. This delay in delamination promotes intralaminar micro- and macro-cracking, thus providing superior toughness. In this paper, a thorough study of damage accumulation was conducted to identify and quantify failure mechanisms in the ± 45 ∘ laminate axial tensile test. Progression of damage accumulation was captured with digital image correlation techniques, in-situ inspection with high-resolution cameras and interrupted tests at different loading stages. Detailed cross-section microscopy of specimens were used to observe progression of crack formation, density of cracks formed and crack branching at the toughened interfaces.