A novel optical technique for observation of global particle distribution in toughened composites
Journal
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Journal Volume
43
Journal Issue
9
Pages
1523-1529
Date Issued
2012
Author(s)
Abstract
One promising approach to improving fracture toughness is interleaved toughening. Past observations of toughened particles have typically been conducted using the optical microscope; however, such an approach may not be able to provide a 3-D, birds-eye view of how the toughened particles are distributed on a composite interlaminar surface. In this paper, we developed a simple yet novel optical technique for observing global particle distribution on a composite laminate surface. IM7/8551-7, a material used for the fan blades of the GE90, the world's most powerful commercial aircraft jet engine, was used to demonstrate the strength of our optical technique, which produces high-quality morphological information. High-G IC laminate had more uniform and denser particle distribution with a smaller particle size, whereas low-G IC laminate had larger, but far less toughened particles. The same optical technique can also be used on other particle-toughened composite systems. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Type
journal article