Finite Element Modeling of the Fiber-Matrix Interface in Polymer Composites

Polymer composites are used in numerous industries due to their high specific strength and high specific stiffness. Composites have markedly different properties than both the reinforcement and the matrix. Of the several factors that govern the final properties of the composite, the interface is an important factor that influences the stress transfer between the fiber and matrix. The present study is an effort to characterize and model the fiber-matrix interface in polymer matrix composites. Finite element models were developed to study the interfacial behavior during pull-out of a single fiber in continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composites. A three-dimensional (3D) unit-cell cohesive damage model (CDM) for the fiber/matrix interface debonding was employed to investigate the effect of interface/sizing coverage on the fiber. Furthermore, a two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric model was used to (a) analyze the sensitivity of interface stiffness, interface strength, friction coefficient, and fiber length via a parametric study; and (b) study the shear stress distribution across the fiber-interface-matrix zone. It was determined that the force required to debond a single fiber from the matrix is three times higher if there is adequate distribution of the sizing on the fiber. The parametric study indicated that cohesive strength was the most influential factor in debonding. Moreover, the stress distribution model showed the debonding mechanism of the interface. It was observed that the interface debonded first from the matrix and remained in contact with the fiber even when the fiber was completely pulled out.