Thermomechanical Behavior of Continuous Glass Fiber-reinforced Polyamide Composite Laminates

Abstract

E-glass/polyamide laminates were fabricated using a hot press and the effects of temperature on static tensile behavior was studied both below and above the glass transition temperature of the material. The glass transition temperature was determined using DMA. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on [0]8, [90]8, [02/902]s and [04,904]s laminates at room temperature, as well as at multiple temperatures above and below the glass transition temperature. Finally, the Young’s modulus and strength of the specimens were evaluated versus temperature, fractography was performed on the fractured [0]8 samples and the effect of temperature on failure modes was investigated. [0]8 and [90]8 laminates displayed three reduction stages in modulus and strength versus temperature where the largest reduction was in glass transition region. However, [02/902]s and [04/904]s laminates displayed the largest reduction before the glass transition temperature. These experimental findings were compared with the rule of mixtures and classical lamination theory.