Influence of thermoplastic diffusion on morphology gradient and on delamination toughness of RTM-manufactured composites

We explore the influence of the interdiffusion of two thermoplastic tougheners and RTM6 epoxy resin precursors on the resulting morphologies after curing and the consequences on delamination toughness of the corresponding carbon fiber reinforced composites. Two thermoplastics with contrasting Tg and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Applied science and manufacturing, 2015-05, Vol.72, p.175-183
Main Authors: Van Velthem, P., Ballout, W., Daoust, D., Sclavons, M., Cordenier, F., Henry, E., Dumont, D., Destoop, V., Pardoen, T., Bailly, C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
B. Fracture toughness
B. Microstructures
Delaminating
Delamination
E. Resin transfer molding (RTM)
Fracture toughness
Morphology
Polymer matrix composites
Precursors
Thermoplastic resins
Thermosetting resins
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Summary:We explore the influence of the interdiffusion of two thermoplastic tougheners and RTM6 epoxy resin precursors on the resulting morphologies after curing and the consequences on delamination toughness of the corresponding carbon fiber reinforced composites. Two thermoplastics with contrasting Tg and compatibility, i.e. poly(ether sulfone) (PES) and phenoxy are compared. The dramatic improvement of the interlaminar fracture toughness (GIC) found for the phenoxy-RTM6 system as compared to the pure thermoset reference can be ascribed to the broad morphology gradient only observed for that system. By contrast, the PES-RTM6 system is characterized by a steep morphology gradient and a corresponding decrease of as compared to the reference.
ISSN:1359-835X
1878-5840
DOI:10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.02.012