Anelastic Deformation of a Thermoplastic-Matrix Fiber Composite at Elevated Temperature; Part III: Structure and Thermomechanical Properties of AS4/PACM-12 Composite

Abstract

Structural characterization of AS4-graphite fiber/PACM-12§ matrix com posites was conducted using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction (WAXD) analyses. The DSC results indicate the significant effect of processing variables on the morphology, microstructure and crystallmity of the fiber rein forced semicrystalline thermoplastic matrix prepreg and unidirectional laminates. From WAXD results the crystallinity was determined. Time-temperature dependent thermo mechanical properties of the laminates were evaluated using dynamic mechanical spec troscopy and creep compliance measurements. Dynamic mechanical spectra revealed the matrix-dominated time-temperature dependent behavior of the laminate under torsional loading. Elevated temperature creep compliance in the longitudinal direction showed time- temperature independent behavior whereas transverse creep deformation was found to be significantly time-temperature-stress dependent.