Correlation between interphase-relevant tests and the impact-damage resistance of glass/epoxy laminates with different fibre surface treatments

In this paper the influence of different fibre surface treatments on some interphase-relevant mechanical properties of glass/epoxy laminates is discussed. The single-fibre push-out test, the transverse tension and bending lest, the interlaminar shear test and the end-notched-flexure (ENF) rest were carried out and correlated with the damage resistance of these materials under non-penetration impact loading. Tt was found that the effect of the fibre/matrix interphase on the damage extension processes under impact loading is a function of the different interphase-relevant fracture modes in unidirectional reinforced laminates. This gives the possibility of predicting the influence of different fibre surface treatments on the impact-damage resistance by using standard tests as the transverse bending test or even the single-fibre push-out lest with less material expense. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.