The influence of binder tow density on the mechanical properties of spatially reinforced composites. Part 1 – Impact resistance

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 795 - 801
• Main Authors: McIlhagger, R., Quinn, J.P., McIlhagger, A.T., Wilson, S., Simpson, D., Wenger, W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2007; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Carbon fibre; Applied sciences; D. Mechanical testing; E. Weaving; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Laminates; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; A. Carbon fibre; D. Mechanical testing; E. Weaving; Laminate; Fiber reinforced material; Epoxy resin; Mechanical properties; Experimental study; Mineral fiber; Transfer molding; Property processing relationship; Composite material; Impact strength; Weaving; Woven material; Needled material; Damaging; Carbon fiber
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2006.09.002

This paper examines the influence of binder tow stitch density on the impact performance of advanced composite structures. Spatially reinforced composite reinforcements with multi-axis, multi-layer structures were woven on a specially developed loom. The binder tow stitch density, which was used to consolidate the structure, was varied in the range of 1–4 binder tow stitches/cm 2 (10 × 10 mm to 5 × 5 mm binder tow stitch spacing). A drop weight impact test (6.7 J/mm of composite thickness) was used to damage the samples. Both the depth of penetration and the damage area were measured after impact. The analysis of the results has shown that as the binder tow stitch density was increased the extent of damage decreased. The weave architecture, in terms of the relative position of the ±45° tows, was also shown to be a significant factor, the nearer the off-axis tows are to the impact surface the greater was the damage area.