Interfacial evaluation of single fiber reinforced epoxy composites using micromechanical technique at low temperature

Abstract

This preliminary study includes a comparison of the interfacial properties of carbon or glass fibers reinforced epoxy composites at ambient and intermediate low temperatures, i.e., ambient temperature 25 °C and -10 °C using micromechanical techniques. The mechanical modulus at the low temperature was higher than that at ambient temperature for both tensile and compressive loading. A comparison of the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) was also made at ambient and low temperatures. The IFSS was much higher at the low temperature than that at ambient temperature which was thought to be associated with the increased modulus of the epoxy matrix. The statistical distributions of the tensile strength of glass and carbon fibers was also measure and evaluated at the different temperatures, which was observed to be dependent upon the fiber's inherent flaws and the specimens rigidity.