Tensile behaviour of stainless steel fibre/epoxy composites with modified adhesion. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Callens, Michaël Guy; Gorbatikh, Larissa; Bertels, Ellen; Goderis, Bart; Smet, Mario; Verpoest, Ignaas
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 69(2015)
• Page Start: 208
• Page End: 218
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: A. Fibres -- B. Plastic deformation -- B. Adhesion -- D. Mechanical testing; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2014.11.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: In this study we investigate the tensile behaviour of unidirectional and cross-ply composites reinforced with ductile stainless steel fibres and modified adhesion to the epoxy matrix. Results show that annealed stainless steel fibres have a potential in designing tough polymer composites for structural applications. The stiffness of the UD composites made from these fibres is 77GPa combined with the strain-to-failure between 15% and 18% depending on the level of adhesion. Silane treatments were used to modify the adhesion. By treating the stainless steel fibres with different silane coupling agents, an increase of 50% in the transverse 3-point-bending strength was realised. Increasing the adhesion by 50% leads to a higher tensile strength and strain-to-failure in both UD and cross-ply laminates and a higher in-situ strength of the 90° plies. It also delays formation of matrix cracks and hinders growth of debonding.