Abstract
Studies on the flexural damage behaviors of satin and plain continuous-fiber-impregnated thermoplastic (COFIT) prepreg woven composites were carried out. Their weaving characteristics such as float length, interlace region, etc., which are believed to affect composite properties, were determined. It was found that the satin weave exhibits better flexural properties such as flexural strength and modulus than the plain weave system, with a more obvious trend in the 3-ply laminate system. The presence of hole damage significantly influences the damage resistance of the woven system. Both woven systems show a reduction in flexural properties with increasing hole size. In the 3-ply system, due to the greater thickness of the laminate, it was found that the weaving characteristics influence the resin flow and subsequently influence the wetting between the laminates and also affect the composite properties. From the SEM photographs, it was found that the satin weave exhibits better wetting at the interply region, resulting in better flexural properties than the plain weave. In contrast, the plain weave exhibits debonding failure at the interply region, which is obviously observed at the interlace area. This situation might be due to insufficient molding conditions such as molding temperature, time, or pressure. It is obvious therefore that different woven patterns require different molding conditions to obtain optimum properties.