The effect of sizing optimization on the interface between high strength steel and fiber reinforced composite

Abstract

This paper aims to examine fiber type and fiber orientation’s effects on the interface bonding between steel and fiber-reinforced composites. To this end, fracture loads for modes I and II were experimentally determined. Three different composites were used: glass fibers/epoxy (GFRP), carbon fibers/epoxy (CFRP), and Kevlar fibers/epoxy (KFRP). Seven different fabric orientations were examined: 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°. End-notched flexure (ENF) and Double cantilever beam (DCB) tests were utilized to determine modes I and II fracture toughness, respectively. Results showed that fiber orientations and fiber types have significantly affected the interface bonding between the steel and fiber-reinforced composite. For both modes I and II tests, the CFRP/steel interface exhibited the highest toughness when comparing the different tested fabric types. However, when comparing the different tested fabric orientations for GFRP/Steel, the 0° GFRP/Steel interface had the maximum toughness for modes I and II tests. All steel-composite specimens tested have shown matrix, debonding, fiber breakage, delamination, and fiber kinking using the scanning electron microscopic technique.