Mode II interlaminar fracture behavior of carbon bead-filled epoxy/glass fiber hybrid composite

Abstract

To investigate the effect of including carbon beads on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin, the fracture toughness of carbon bead-filled epoxy was earlier evaluated using a CT (compact tension) specimens and Mode I fracture toughness was observed. Based on those results, in this study, the Mode Il interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon bead filled epoxy/glass fiber hybrid composites was evaluated using end notch flexure (ENF) specimens. The hybrid composites showed increased Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness. The optimal bead volume fraction was around 15%.