THE EFFECT OF POLYMERIC MATRIX MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES ON THE FIBER MATRIX INTERFACIAL SHEAR-STRENGTH

An experimental investigation was conducted into the dependence of fiber-matrix adhesion on the matrix material properties. The carbon fibers used in this study, their surface chemistry and the chemistry of the matrix were kept constant to isolate the matrix effects. Matrix properties were systematically changed by cross-linking the matrix with curing agents of the same functionality but with variable lengths. The level of measured fiber-matrix interfacial shear strength was noted to be dependent on the matrix shear modulus. Micromechanical models of interfacial stress correctly model this dependence. © 1990.