Notch-sensitivity of hybrid carbon-fibre/self-reinforced polypropylene composites. (10th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nijs, A.; Selezneva, M.; Swolfs, Y.; Hirano, N.; Taketa, I.; Karaki, T.; Verpoest, I.; Gorbatikh, L.
• Is Part Of: Composites science and technology. Volume 200(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11-10
• Subjects: A. Hybrid composites -- B. Fragmentation -- C. Notch -- C. Damage tolerance -- Pseudo-ductility; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Fibrous composites; Periodicals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2020.108422
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-3538

Abstract

Abstract: Hybrid composites combining brittle and ductile reinforcing fibres can be designed to have pseudo-ductile behaviour by controlling their failure mechanisms. The recently developed carbon-fibre/self-reinforced polypropylene (SRPP) hybrids have demonstrated a unique combination of stiffness (7 GPa), toughness (>6% strain) and density (±1000 kg/m³). Here, the influence of a circular notch on their failure mechanisms is investigated. Discontinuous carbon-fibre/polypropylene composites retained 69% of the gross strength and 83% of the net strength. The strength retention of SRPP was highly influenced by the processing parameters, and a notch-insensitive composite could be produced. Pseudo-ductility was obtained even with the notched hybrids. Hybrids that do not achieve the optimal ductility, still exhibit high gross and net strength retentions and can be classified as notch-insensitive. These results illustrate the significant potential of this new hybrid composite for applications with notches or holes.