<em>In-situ </em> fiber push-out tests with the Hysitron PI 88 SEM PicoIndenter

In this application note, Bruker Nano utilizes the Hysitron^® PI 88 SEM PicoIndenter^® equipped with the 800°C heating option to characterize the interfacial strength between individual carbon fibers and the surrounding polyamide matrix, as a function of temperature.

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) possess outstanding mechanical properties including high stiffness, high strength-to-weight ratios, and the ability to withstand dynamic loading in service without catastrophic failure. As a result, CFRPs excel as structural components in numerous applications, especially in the aerospace industry where they are quickly replacing heavier metallic components. The mechanical strength of a composite is a combination of the mechanical properties of the constituent fiber and matrix materials, as well as the strength of the interface between them.