A Critical Evaluation of the Use of the Microbond Method for Determination of Composite Interfacial Properties

Abstract

AbstractThe microbond method has been applied with increased frequency to characterize interfacial adhesion in fiber reinforced composites. Nevertheless, a number of serious questions remain regarding the interpretation of experimental data. This paper addresses material and experimental variables in the microbond test procedure including the cure behavior of thermoset test specimens, matrix heterogeneity, locus of failure in test specimens and load application techniques. The theoretical basis for the method is examined by viewing experimental results in terms of existing theoretical interpretations of interfacial failure. Conclusions are presented regarding the limitations and the potential of the microbond method for determining fiber/matrix adhesive bond strength.