Compression characteristics and fractography of in‐situ polymerisable thermoplastic and bio‐epoxy based non‐crimp carbon and glass fiber composites

This experimental work involves characterization and fractography of a bio‐based epoxy and an in‐situ polymerisable thermoplastic polymer matrix based non‐crimp glass and carbon fiber composites under compressive loading. The laminates are characterized under compression loading using a combined loading compression (CLC) fixture. Laminates made using the thermoplastic matrix exhibit higher compressive strength (approx. 20% along fiber direction) compared to the bio‐epoxy based laminates. Further, both composites exhibit comparable compressive modulus characteristics. The tested composites are subjected to fractography analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Computed tomography (CT). SEM results indicate a difference in fiber‐matrix interface characteristics between the thermoplastic matrix and the bio‐epoxy matrix. Additionally, the CT scans reveal a difference in failure modes due to fiber orientations. A difference between failure mode of the exterior and interior plies of the specimens was also noticed. However, no specific influence of matrix type was observed on the overall macroscopic failure behavior. Highlights Bio‐epoxy and thermoplastic based laminates were characterized in compression. Post‐test fractography was performed using SEM and x‐ray CT scans. Use of thermoplastic matrix exhibits better fiber‐matrix adhesion compared to bio‐epoxy. Both laminates performed well in compression under laboratory test conditions. Compression behaviour assessment and fractography of relatively sustainable polymer composites.