A MODEL FOR PREDICTING MICROMECHANICAL INTERFACIAL ADHESION IN POLYMER COMPOSITES

The mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced composites is largely dete rmined by adhesion at the fiber-matrix interface. Thus, a fundamental understanding of the interfacial region and a quantitative characteriz ation of the level of interfacial adhesion can contribute to an evalua tion of the mechanical behavior and performance of composite materials . Among numerous techniques for interface characterization, the vibrat ion damping method has attracted continually more attention because it provides sensitive and nondestructive detection of the interfacial re gion in composites. In the research presented here, a new optical syst em for measuring vibration damping was introduced, and a model for eva luating the interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix from a dampi ng parameter was developed. A quantitative relationship between the dy namic (vibration damping) and static (interfacial shear strength) adhe sion measurements was established. The experimental data from glass-fi ber-reinforced epoxy resin composites with different interfacial treat ments showed good agreement with the theoretical model.