Interply intimate contact

Figure 7.8 Representative volume element used in modeling the intimate contact achievement of a cross-ply interply interface...

The most efficient approach to measuring intimate contact of a multiple ply composite laminate would probably be to first use the C-scan technique or some other nondestructive method to determine the location of any flaws in the panel. The cross-sections of the panel that contain the flaws can then be examined by preparing optical micrographs of those areas, and the interply interface examined for complete contact. 

The data shown in Figure 7.15 were obtained from two-ply T300/P1700 unidirectional specimens that were compression molded in a 76.2 mm (3 in.) square steel mold. The cross-sections of the consolidated specimens were examined by optical microscopy and the degree of intimate contact was determined as the amount of the interply region that was in contact divided by the total area of the cross-section. Additional details of the experimental procedures are given in Reference 22. 

The unidirectional interply interface model (see Eq. 7.4) was used to calculate the degree of intimate contact versus time for unidirectional samples consolidated at different temperatures and pressures. The surface characterization parameters for T300/P1700 and... 

Considering the complexities involved in the formation of the cross-ply interface during consolidation, the cross-ply interply interface model predicted degrees of intimate contact... 

The mechanism governing the formation of interply bonds has been established as autohesion or self-diffusion [28], Autohesive bonding is controlled by two mechanisms (1) intimate contact between the interfacial surfaces, and (2) diffusion of the macromolecules across the interface. Figure 7.22 shows the phenomenon of autohesion for an amorphous thermoplastic polymer. At time zero, the two surfaces are pressed together. Providing the temperature is... 

Once intimate contact is achieved, bonding of the ply interfaces can occur. The mathematical relationships between interply bond formation and processing temperature and time were discussed in Section 7.3. The analyses are based on the theories explaining strength development of a polymer-polymer interface and crack healing in polymers. 

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