Effects of Matrix Materials on Interlaminar Fracture Resistance

Effects of matrix materials on interlaminar fracture resistance 

The first generation of resins developed for use in high performance carbon fiber composites emphasized high modulus and high glass transition temperature, Tg. Due to the low interlaminar fracture resistance of these resins, in particular under hot and wet conditions, a second generation of matrix materials has been developed with special focus on the resistance to interlaminar fracture of composites. 

The fracture behavior of toughened polymers, containing rubber or inorganic fillers, may involve several mechanisms, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 8.1 (Garg and Mai, 1988a). These include  

Several such failure mechanisms may take place simultaneously in a toughened resin, depending on the type of particles, whether liquid rubber or rigid particles, and the matrix material. Each of these mechanisms contributes to the energy absorption of the whole structure. 

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