Internal structure influence on the impact strength and dynamic fracture toughness of hybrid polymer matrix composites with integrated elastomer interlayers

摘要

The strength and impact resistance of hybrid polymer matrix composites (HPMCs) made of PMCs and elastomer layers (ELs) are significantly influenced by internal structure and manufacturing technology. The paper proposes integration of two ELs, evenly spaced in relation to neutral axis, in three cross-section configurations. Elastomer layers (Kraibon, Kraiburg Company) were integrated between the layers of carbon epoxy prepreg (EP121-C20-45). Corresponding pure PMCs without two ELs were used as reference material. Description of dynamic response of the HPMCs under low velocity impact is the aim of the paper.3-point bending (3-PB) tests were performed for the HPMCs using the drop tower Instron Ceast 9350 to assess transverse impact bending strength for out-of-plane loading and dynamic fracture toughness K-Id for in-plane loading. The maximum forces required to initiate fracture processes and the total absorbed energy up to the samples failure were estimated.Application of integrated ELs in HPMCs significantly changed their dynamic material characteristics at low velocity impact, i.e. led to the increase of the absorbed energy about 41% for transverse impact bending and about 168% for in-plane loading in comparison to the PMC.