Work

In-Plane Shear Strength of Single-Lap Co-Cured Joints of Self-Reinforced Polyethylene Composites

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: The present study introduces the analysis of single-lap co-cured joints of thermoplastic self-reinforced composites made with reprocessed low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and reinforced by ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers, along with a micromechanical analysis of its constituents. A set of optimal processing conditions for manufacturing these joints by hot-press is proposed through a design of experiment using the response surface method to maximize their in-plane shear strength by carrying tensile tests on co-cured tapes. Optimal processing conditions were found at 1 bar, 115 °C, and 300 s, yielding joints with 6.88 MPa of shear strength. The shear failure is generally preceded by multiple debonding-induced longitudinal cracks both inside and outside the joint due to accumulated transversal stress. This composite demonstrated to be an interesting structural material to be more widely applied in industry, possessing extremely elevated specific mechanical properties, progressive damage of co-cured joints (thus avoiding unannounced catastrophic failures) and ultimate recyclability.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma14061517

Authors: Felipe Vannucchi de Camargo, Eduardo da Silva Fernandes, Carla Schwengber ten Caten, Annelise Kopp Alves, Carlos Pérez Bergmann, Giangiacomo Minak

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, University of Bologna

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical Behavior of Composites

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,160