Modulus prediction of a cross-ply fiber reinforced fabric composite with voids

Voids or bubbles in polymer composites have a detrimental effect on the properties of the material. Such voids are found in PMR15/Graphite fiber (fabric type) composites. The matrix, PMR15, is formed in-situ during the molding process and undergoes two major stages of reactions, viz., imidization and crosslinking. Volatiles are formed as by-products of these reactions and may remain trapped in the matrix to form voids or bubbles. Photo-micrographs of composite cross sections suggested the classification of voids as two different phases in two different directions, each aligned with the fibers, resulting in a five phase model. The composites were tested in 3-point bending tests to obtain the flexural modulus. By combining Weng's (1984d) inclusion approach and Ishikawa and Chou's (1982) crimp method, an analytical model has been developed to predict the elastic moduli of such a multi-phase composite material. Thus, the voids have been treated as inclusions in an enclosing matrix which in turn is reinforced by woven fibers in two directions. The stiffness behavior obtained analytically was within 10% of the experimental values.