Influence of Fiber-Matrix Adhesion on Mechanical properties of Glass/Polybutylene Terephthalate Unidirectional Composites

Interface failure plays an important role in determining the mechanical properties of composites [1]. We studied the effect of matrix-fiber interfacial bonding on the transverse bending properties of glass fiber reinforced polybutylene terephthalate (G/PBT) unidirectional (UD) composites. Six types of specimens were manufactured using three different processing methods, namely reaction-based resin, prepreg and commingled yarn systems. Transverse bending properties of the UD composites were measured. Further tension failure zone after the transverse bending test was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fractography analysis. Additionally, the composites quality was evaluated using complementary microscopic techniques (optical microscopy, OM and SEM).