Deformation micromechanics of a thermoplastic-thermoset interphase of epoxy composites reinforced with poliethylene fiber

• Published in: Journal of materials science Vol. 39; no. 23; pp. 7049 - 7059
• Main Authors: GONZALEZ-CHI, P. I, YOUNG, R. J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer 01.12.2004; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composite materials; Composites; Deformation; Epoxy resins; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Interfacial strength; Materials science; Micromechanics; Organic chemistry; Polyethylene; Polyethylenes; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer matrix composites; Raman spectroscopy; Technology of polymers; Thermosetting resins; Polyethylene; Synthetic fiber; Fiber reinforced material; Mechanical properties; Epoxy resin; Shear strength; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Composite material; Surface treatment; Pull out test; Interface properties; Matrix fiber interface; Raman spectrometry; Measurement method; Fracture mode
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1023/B:JMSC.0000047550.18047.22

The polyethylene fibre is one of the strongest man-made materials; its strength is based on its high crystalinity order. Nevertheless, due to the Polyethylene chemical nature, it shows a low reactivity, which limits its use for composite materials, especially with thermoset matrices like the Epoxy resin. The present work uses Raman Spectroscopy to monitor the loading and failure of a thermoplastic-thermoset interface. Pull-out specimens were prepared with Spectra 1000 Polyethylene fibre embedded in a epoxy resin block; the fibre extraction was performed in a stepwise fashion and with the aid of a micro-Raman, spectra were taken along the interface through out the whole process. The technique allowed to measure the interface strength and to monitor the propagation of the debonding front up to total failure. Some results correspond to specimens were the interface was improved by changing the surface chemistry of the thermoplastic fibre to make it more compatible to the thermoset matrix.