EXPERIMENTAL PUSH-OUT TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF FIBER-REINFORCED COMPOSITES - APPLICABILITY AND TEST CONSIDERATIONS

The applicability of the push out technique to fibre composite systems with both excellent and pool interfacial bonding has been considered through experimental push out studies on model polymer matrix and meta l matrix composite systems, respectively. Some factors which affect th e reliability and reproducibility of data from the push out test have also been established. The findings ale applicable to ceramic matrix c omposites. The interfacial proper ties of the model steel fibre/epoxy matrix, copper fibre/epoxy matrix, steel fibre/aluminium mall ix, and SiC fibre/aluminium matrix composite systems were studied. Factors whi ch influence the reproducibility of interfacial properties such as the interfacial bond strength and the matrix shrinkage pressure as determ ination from the push out test have been identified. These include the thickness/fibre diameter ratio, the relative diameter of the fibre an d the specimen, and the aspect ratio of the fibre in the push out spec imen. It tvas also important to establish the nature of failure at the interface. MST/4034.