Evaluation of fibre tensile stength and fibre/matrix adhesion using single fibre fragmentation tests

Abstract

Single fibre fragmentation tests were conducted to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the fibre fragmentation phenomenon in several carbon fibre/epoxy composite systems. Fibre tensile strength and fibre/ matrix interfacial adhesion were evaluated, and some important experimental aspects associated with the evaluation of the test results were addressed. Fibre fragmentation in a matrix is a complex process with many factors interacting with each other, which influence the fibre fragmentation behaviour and, as a result, complicate the evaluation of the fibre/matrix interfacial properties. The failure modes of carbon fibres in epoxy resins were also greatly influenced by the variations of these factors. Without considering the special mechanisms of the fibre fragmentation behaviour for individual fibre/matrix systems, equivocal results may be obtained by simply adopting certain micromechanics model to define interfacial parameters. © 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.