Interface properties of carbon fiber reinforced cyanate/epoxy resin composites at cryogenic temperature

Abstract This study focuses on the influence of cryogenic temperature on the interface of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs). Results of interfacial shear strength ( IFSS ) and mode II interlaminar fracture toughness ( G IIC ) at −196°C increased by 15.3% and 27.6% compared to the condition at room temperature (RT). By measuring the IFSS at −196°C, a new experimental method was designed based on microbond test. The layer shear fracture morphologies of CFRP were observed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. In order to study the interlaminar fracture mechanism, the interface and resin fracture hybrid model was built, and the shear-lag theory of interfacial toughness was adopted to analyze the energy release rate ( G dc ) of microbond. The results showed that the G dc value was increased by 11.5% from RT to −196°C temperature. A higher G IIC of CFRP was dominated by the higher IFSS and resin energy absorption at −196°C.