Evaluation of mechanical behavior of CFRC transverse to the fiber direction at room and cryogenic temperature

Interface behavior and mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced epo xy composites in the transverse to fiber direction were studied at room and liquid nitrogen temperature to investigate their applicability for cryogen ic use. An attempt has been made to improve the properties of the composite s by means of incorporating nano-sized Al2O3 filler into the matrix. Young' s modulus and interlaminar shear strength at room temperature and the therm al contraction down to cryogenic temperature were improved significantly by the addition of Al2O3 filler into the epoxy matrix. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.