FRACTOGRAPHY OF UNIDIRECTIONAL CFRP COMPOSITES

The morphology of fracture surfaces of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic composites has been studied to categorize the fractographic characteristics for several types of loading. Specimens were tested in compression and in tension, both in the axial and the transverse direction, in bending and in interlaminar shear. The influence of prior exposure to moisture and elevated temperature on the fracture morphology has also been studied. Optical and scanning electron microscopy were used for the fracture surface analyses. Fractographic features characteristic of each mode of stressing and directionality of specimen were identified.