Experimental and Numerical Study of the Interfacial Properties in Self-Reinforced Polyimide Composites

Abstract

In this study, the micro-bond test employed to characterize interfacial properties was simulated using the finite element method (FEM), thus understanding the mechanism of polyimide resin debonding from polyimide fiber. The process of interfacial debonding was analyzed by FEM and relied upon to derive relatively accurate interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and fracture toughness. In contrast, the conventional theoretical model based on the micro-bond test underestimate the IFSS due to neglecting resin damage and the non-simultaneous nature of interfacial debonding, and also overestimate the effect of thermal residual stress on fracture toughness.

Keywords: Flexible structural composite, Polyimide, Polymeric composites, Interfaces, Micro-bond test, Simulation and modelling