Effect of interfacial powder on mechanical properties of composites under dynamic tests

Improving resistance to delamination is still a domain of research interest for researchers and for industrials. In this paper, effects of adding metal particles at interfaces of cross ply fiber-reinforced composite plates are investigated. Composite plates with [0(5)/90(2)/0(5)] configuration graphite fibers and resin epoxy matrix are produced by hand in civil engineering laboratory at the Sherbrooke University. Alumina or stainless steel powders with 40 mu m diameter are added at the 0 degrees/90 degrees interfaces. Dynamic and static tests, such as low velocity impact, fatigue, tensile and flexural tests are conducted. Throughout this work, it is shown that the addition of powder particles at the 0 degrees/90 degrees interfaces improves resistance to delamination of laminated composites when subjected to various mechanical loads.