Experimental testing of two short-fiber reinforced composites: PPA-GF33 and PPS-GF40

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental testing of two short-fiber reinforced composites (SFRC). The two materials are a polyphthalamide with 33% glass fiber inclusion (PPA-GF33) and a polyphenylene sulfide with 40% glass fiber inclusion. Rectangular plates were obtained from these two materials by injection molding. Specimens, type 1BA, according to ISO 527-2, were cut out with orientations of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plate. The cutting was conducted using a CNC water jet machine. Tension tests were performed at room temperature, in order to determine the mechanical behavior. Results are presented in the form of stress–strain curves, considering different orientations of the specimens. The experimental results were processed in order to assess the differences that appear due to fiber orientation. A comparison between the two materials was performed in terms of Young's modulus, tensile strength, and tensile strain. The experimental data were used to calibrate the Tsai–Hill fracture criterion.