Mode II interlaminar fracture behavior of carbon bead-filled epoxy/glass fiber hybrid composite

To investigate the effect of including carbon beads on the mechanical prope rties of epoxy resin, the fracture toughness of carbon bead-filled epoxy wa s earlier evaluated using a CT (compact tension) specimens and Mode I fract ure toughness was observed. Based on those results, in this study, the Mode Il interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon bead filled epoxy/glass fiber hybrid composites was evaluated using end notch flexure (ENF) specimens. T he hybrid composites showed increased Mode II interlaminar fracture toughne ss. The optimal bead volume fraction was around 15%.