Impact damage in laminates of four different composite systems was investigated. These composite systems included two thermoplastic-based composites (PEEK and Torlon) and two epoxy-based composites (toughened and brittle BMIs). At low impact ve locities, PEEK (polyetheretherketone) and Torlon composites showed significantly less matrix cracking and delamination and greater strength retention capability than the two epoxy-based composites. However, beyond a certain threshold velocity, the thermoplastic composites experienced a sudden drop in flexural strength, more so than the epoxy-based composites.Between the two epoxy-based systems, the toughened BMI composite exhibited much better impact resistance properties.

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