Nondestructive Characterization of Fiber-Matrix Adhesion in Composites by Vibration Damping

Abstract

ABSTRACTAdhesion at fiber-matrix interface in fiber-reinforced composites plays an important role in controlling the mechanical properties and overall performance of composites. Among the many available tests applicable to the composite interfaces, vibration damping technique has the advantages of being nondestructive as well as highly sensitive. We set up an optical system to measure the damping tangent delta of a cantilever beam, and correlated the damping data in glass-fiber reinforced epoxy-resin composites with transverse tensile strength which is also a qualitative measurement of adhesion at fiber-matrix interface. Four different composite systems containing three different glass-fiber surface treatments were tested and compared. Our experimental results showed an inverse relationship between damping contributed by the interface and composite transverse tensile strength.