Abstract
Fiber/matrix interfacial crack propagation behavior was investigated by using a real-size model composite. The model composite specimen used in the present study consists of two fibers bonded by matrix resin, and an interfacial crack can propagate without resin fracture in this specimen. Model composite specimens with an initial crack were successfully fabricated from the silane-treated glass fibers of about 10〜13 μm in diameter and vinylester resin. The mode II crack propagation tests were carried out by the developed micromaterial testing system. The average value of interfacial fracture toughness obtained from the present model composite specimens was much smaller than that obtained from similar model composites of fibers with 350 μm in diameter. This result suggests that the contribution of resin plastic work to energy dissipation becomes smaller for the present model composite specimen because of small fiber distance.
