CRACK PROPAGATION MODEL OF THE TEXTILE FABRIC REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES

Abstract

The crack propagation was studied on specimens of model composites containing a single layer of different textile fabrics. Both crimped woven (co-woven and/or hybrid clothes) and non-woven (swirl mat) structures were found among the reinforcing fabrics. The fracture toughness· was calculated from the load-displacement curve of the compact tension (CT) specimen on v =2 and v = 500 mm/min, T = RT and T = -50°C. The fracture surfaces were monitored by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and it serves as a basis to propose a crack propagation model of the composites.