Effect of fibre sizing on the interlaminar properties of polyamide matrix composites

Abstract

The aim of our study was to compare the interlaminar performance of PA based composites with different fiber sizing to investigate the importance of proper sizing. Composites were prepared by film-stacking from reinforcing materials with three available sizings compatible for vinylester, epoxy and polyamide. The composites were compared through standard static and self-developed dynamic and cyclic interlaminar shear test methods and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the proper sizing is crucial for the good mechanical performance of the composites, the PA sized fiber composites significantly better in all mechanical properties.