Author(s)

R. Pyrz & A.S. Nielsen

Abstract

Micro-Raman spectroscopy has been used to monitor and to analyse residual thermal strains in model composites. A model composite, consisting of a single high modulus carbon fibre located between two layers of polypropylene film, is placed in a hot stage and mounted directly under the Raman microscope. The observed strain- temperature profiles indicate a non-linear accumulation of thermal residual strains within the fibre as temperature decreases. Residual strains measured at ambient temperatures are strongly influenced by the cooling rate and are significantly higher for the lower cooling rate. A considerable fibre fragmentation has been observed. Fragments length distribution and residual strains, present in fibre fragments, are again dependent on the cooling rate. This has been explained by the cooling

Keywords