SEDL / STP / STP868-EB / STP34270S

In Situ SEM Observation of Fracture Processes in Short Glass Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composite

Sato, N
Toyota Central Research and Development Laboratories, Aichiken,

Kurauchi, T
Toyota Central Research and Development Laboratories, Aichiken,

Sato, S
Toyota Central Research and Development Laboratories, Aichiken,

Kamigaito, O
Toyota Central Research and Development Laboratories, Aichiken,

Pages: 11    Published: Jan 1985

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Abstract

To study the fracture mechanism of a short glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite, the surface of the composite under stress was examined by a scanning electron microscope. The fracture processes, including crack initiation and propagation, could be observed in situ. The fracture was proved to proceed through five stages: (1) occurrence of a cluster of microcracks and voids in the matrix located at the fiber ends; (2) propagation of the interfacial microcracks in the matrix located on the fiber sides; (3) occurrence of bands of microcracks in the matrix, accompanied by the formation of shear bands in the matrix; (4) crack openings and slow crack propagation in the shear bands, followed by yielding and necking; and (5) catastrophic crack propagation, leading to the failure of the composite.