Fatigue properties and damage mechanism of modified PC based GFRP

Abstract

In this study, for the matrix / fiber interface strength is investigated in the fatigue experiment for the glass-fiber reinforcing polycarbonate (GFPC). Here the effect of modified PC resin is discussed when Epoxy (EP) or Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are blended into PC. The microscopic damage process and fracture surface is examined through the optical microscope and the scanning electron microscope. The EP and PDMS are found to improve the matrix / fiber interface strength since they may control crack propagation along the fiber. Tensile testing also shows that in modified PC the critical fiber length is quite shorter than the one in standard GFPC. Although the interface strength is improved, the fatigue lifetime of PC-PDMS is found to decrease because many crack tend to initiate and propagate around the fiber ends