EFFECT OF ALUMINUM PARTICLE REINFORCEMENT IN GFRP LAMINATES

Epoxy rich interfaces of glass fabric/epoxy laminates were reinforced by aluminum particles. Four kinds of laminates of configurations [(0/t heta)(7)/($) over bar 0](s) with theta = 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 deg rees and 45 degrees were studied. The fracture toughness in mode II (G (IIc)), tensile strength, and tensile modulus were determined experime ntally. Specimens of 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees ply angles showed increase in G(IIc) by 13-23% over Laminates not reinforced by particles, but tensile strength and modulus decreased by 23-26%, and 1 2-21% respectively. Aluminum particles reinforcement to 0 degrees spec imens was found to be unfavorable.