Abstract
Unlike most fiber-reinforced polymer composites, the measured inter laminar fracture energy of the glass-polyester Extren is significantly greater at 77 K than at room temperature (298 K). Composite microfailure is adhesive at room temperature but cohesive at 77 K. SEM and acoustic emission results suggest the enhanced interlaminar fracture toughness at 77 K is associated with increased matrix cracking which occurs at cryogenic conditions. The additional fracture surfaces increase the amount of released sur face energy.
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