Macromolecular Symposia · 2007 · 13 citations · 4 references
Natural SciencesMaterials EngineeringMaterials ScienceMechanical Behavior Of MaterialsPolymer MaterialsStructural MaterialsComposite MaterialsFracture MechanicsFracture ToughnessPolymer CompositesPolymer-matrix CompositesThermosetsComposite TougheningFiber-reinforced Thermoset CompositesFiber-reinforced ThermosetsFracture Toughness TestingInterlaminar Fracture ToughnessPolymer Matrix ToughnessStiffnessThermoset Matrix Composites
Abstract The main objective of the work was to determine the mechanical properties of Z‐pinned and unpinned composites samples. Tensile and interlaminar fracture tests under mode I have been carried out on thermoset polymer matrix composite samples composed of CYTEC 977‐2 and carbon fibre yarn HTA‐12K/35. The presence of the Z‐pins has been found to significantly increase the interlaminar fracture toughness. The crack resistance improvement has been found to be accompanied by a small reduction of the in‐plane stiffness properties for a Z‐pins density of 2%. The results are presented in relation to the size and pinning quality and are rationalised on the basis of the location of Z‐pin block within the sample.
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