The double cantilevered beam (DCB) Mode I fracture toughness test was selected to characterize the interply (autohesive) bonding of the prepreg plies during ther moplastic composite consolidation. AS4 graphite fiber/P1700 polysulfone amorphous thermoplastic prepreg was selected for study. The fractured AS4/P1700 DCB specimens were healed in a special fixture under different combinations of temperature, pressure, and time. The healed DCB specimens were refractured and the critical strain energy release rates (GIC) were measured. Pressure was found to be a key factor governing the healing process. Temperature and time dependencies of the interply bond development were also observed.
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