SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1989
STP24593S

The Effect of Processing on Autohesive Strength Development in Thermoplastic Resins and Composites

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The effects of processing on autohesive bond strength development in polysulfone resin and graphite-polysulfone composites were investigated. Autohesive bond strength development in polysulfone resin was observed by measuring the refracture toughness of precracked compact tension specimens that were healed at a given temperature and contact time. The fractured specimens, when completely healed, achieved the original toughness of the virgin resin. Results of the compact tension (CT) tests, when corrected for nonisothermal effects, compared favorably with diffusion models explaining crack healing and welding of amorphous polymers. Interply strength development in graphite-polysulfone unidirectional composites was measured as a function of healing temperature and contact time using a double cantilever beam (DCB) interlaminar fracture toughness test. The critical strain energy release rate of the refractured composites did not show a strong time or temperature dependence as observed in the neat resin tests. Furthermore, only 80 to 90% of the undamaged fracture energy can be recovered. The fracture mechanisms were determined to be different in the healed DCB specimen from those in the virgin specimen due to resin flow at the crack plane upon healing.

Author Information

Howes, JC
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Loos, AC
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Hinkley, JA
Polymeric Materials Branch, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
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Details
Developed by Committee: D30
Pages: 33–49
DOI: 10.1520/STP24593S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5099-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1272-8