Influence of crystallization conditions on microstructure and mechanical behavior of a carbon fiber-reinforced semi-crystalline thermoplastic composite

Polymer composites are largely used in aerospace applications because of their lightweight and excellent mechanical properties. However, in the context of energy transition, thermoset polymer composites, which were usually used in the past, tend to be replaced by thermoplastic composites for recyclability purposes and faster composite manufacturing (No need of curing step for thermoplastic composites). However, the transition from thermoset to thermoplastic composites involves understanding how processing conditions influence the microstructure of the thermoplastic matrix and mechanical performances of the final parts.   

In this seminar, the first steps of this work will be presented, i.e. the investigation of the influence of processing conditions on the development of the crystalline phase of the semi-crystalline matrix. In addition, a study of the local mechanical properties and behavior of the same carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic will be discussed through nanoindentation tests and in-situ transverse compression in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) followed by nano-scale digital image correlation (DIC) of the unidirectional composite. Finally, the impact of crystallization conditions on the macroscopic mechanical behavior of the composite will be discussed.  

Speaker: Sophie Vanpée is a PhD student under the joint supervision of Thomas Pardoen and Bernard Nysten (BSMA), in partnership with Solvay company. She is studying the micromechanics of high-toughness composites.