The effect of fibre-matrix interface strength on the impact and fracture properties of carbon-fibre-reinforced epoxy resin composites

Abstract

Uniaxial fibre-reinforced epoxy resin composites have been produced containing up to Vf=0·8 of type I, II, III and IV carbon fibres in both untreated and surface-treated conditions. Their mechanical properties have been determined, and it has been shown that the fibre-matrix interface is strongest when the type II and III treated fibres are employed and weakest for the type I untreated fibres.