Tensile and Flexural Properties of Composites Reinforced by Multi-layer Fabric

Abstract

Composite materials were prepared by multi-layer fabrics and epoxy resin matrix.The multi-layer fabrics were woven by pitch-based carbon fiber rovings.Then the relationship between structure of multi-layer fabric and mechanical properties of the coposites were investigated.The Mechanical properties were measured by tensile and flexural test.The properties were compared with those of laminated fabric compasites. The results are summarized as follows;1) The tensile strength and the tensile modulus of multi-layer fabric composites tend to decrease with increase in the angle of fiber orientation of composites.2) The tensile strength and the tensile modulus of multi-layer fabric composites were lower than those of laminated fabric composites: it was the slight difference.3) The flexural strength of composites wasn't influenced by thestructure of fabric weave.4) The flexural modulus of composites was clearly influenced by the structure of fabric weave. The flexural modulus of multi-layer fabric composites was maximum 1.5 times those of laminated fabric composites.5) From the flexural test of the multi-layer fabric composites: compression fracture was observed at the upper surface when the middle level flexural load was measured, then tensile fracture was observed at the lower surface over the maximumload.