Characterisation of fibre/matrix interfacial fracture energy using the single fibre peel experiment

Abstract

An experimental method for determining the interfacial fracture energy of a single fibre undergoing peeling is presented. Peeling of a partially embedded single fibre is observed under scanning electron microscopy. The fracture energy of the fibre/matrix interface is determined by analysis of the measured curvature of the fibre near the crack tip. This study serves as a demonstration of concept for the characterization of fibre/matrix interfaces through the single fibre peel experiment. A glass fibre/vinylester interface is used as an initial test case, from which obtained interfacial fracture energies was found to be in the range from 2 Jm-2 to 14 Jm-2.