Abstract
The mode I critical strain energy release rates, GIC, of two polymer matrix composites were experimentally measured at temperatures ranging from -196°C to 160°C. The two composite materials investigated in this study were IM7/PETI-5 and IM7/977-2. Double cantilever beam specimens were manufactured with a °[0°7/ ± 3°/0°7] lay-up. The experimental results showed that GI had a strong dependence on temperature above 25°C and minimal dependence on temperature below 25°C. In addition, it was found that IM7/PETI-5 was significantly tougher than IM7/977-2 at all the temperatures investigated. These materials can be considered suitable, in the future, for manufacturing cryogenic fuel tanks in space applications; therefore, understanding critical composite properties such as the interlaminar toughness at such temperatures is very important.
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