Study of the Toughness of a Composite Material as a Function of Variation in Notch Geometry, Architecture, and Molding Flow
摘要
The impact resistance of a composite material intended for orthopedic applications was studied. The experimental work was carried out on the composites of three architectures (G - 4P - G , P - G - 2P - G - P , 2P - 2G - 2P) made by vacuum molding technique. Standard Charpy specimens were cut along and perpendicular to the molding direction. The composite of 2P - 2G - 2P architecture demonstrating the best fracture toughness (GIC) was subjected to the impact tests using the specimens with U- and I-notch shapes. To estimate the rupture surfaces after impact test, microscopic and SEM observations were carried out. Additionally, according on the failure mechanism, the notch acuity has a significant effect on the stress concentration.