Interfacial failure in poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO)/epoxy single fibre pull-out specimens

Abstract

The pull-out behaviour of poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) fibres from an epoxy resin has been shown to follow that predicted by the elastic stress transfer shear-lag model at low applied strains, but at higher matrix strains a partial debonding model was more suitable. Debonding of the fibre/matrix interface led to interfacial failure where only friction resisted fibre extraction. Raman spectroscopy was able to quantify this level of friction and together with in situ optical microscopy proved an excellent method for the close monitoring of the frictional pull-out process. The effect of fibre surface treatment was also studied. The interfacial shear stress values from the heat-treated and corona-treated fibres showed only small differences. The failure processes were examined further using scanning electron microscopy and clean fibre pull-out was observed with the heat-treated fibre whereas fracture of the free fibre occurred with the corona-treated fibre.