Effect of Hygrothermomechanical Aging on the Interlaminar Fracture Behavior of Woven Fabric Fiber/PEI Composite Materials.

This article addresses the experimental characterization of the mechanical properties of three types of woven fabric composites taking into account the effects of hygrothermal and hygrothermomechanical aging. Characterization was carried out using the mode I, double cantilever beam (DCB) and the mode II, end notched flexural (ENF) interlaminar fracture tests in order to determine the loss in crack propagation resistance. The materials used were two types of woven (2/2 Twill, 8-Harness Satin) glass fiber, and 8-Harness Satin carbon fiber. The matrix was polyetherimide (PEI). The critical values of the energy release rate in mode I and mode II were calculated using the corrected beam theory. The material reinforced with 8-Harness Satin glass fiber presented the best behavior in mode I and mode II. The decrease in fracture strength is more important in the material reinforced with carbon fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]