Cryogenic Interlaminar Properties of PBO Fiber/Epoxy Composites

Abstract

The influences of low temperature on the interlaminar properties for PBO fiber/epoxy composites have been studied at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) in terms of three point bending test. Results showed that the interlaminar shear strength at 77 K were significantly higher than those at room temperature (RT). For the analysis of the test results, the tensile behaviors of epoxy resin at both room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature were investigated. The interface between fiber and matrix was observed using SEM images.