FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITE OF HIGH FRACTURE TOUCHNESS

摘要

This invention relates to fiber reinforced plastic composites, and more particularly, composites having substantially improved fracture toughness at high speed loading. In accordance with this invention, the fracture toughness of a composite is substantially improved by the use of an internal energy damping mechanism which is dependent upon the rate of loading. This energy dumping mechanism comprises fibers dispersed through the composite pre-coated with a viscous fluid. Upon impact, substantial energy is dissipated at the fibermatrix interface due to shear deformation of the coated viscous layer. The composites of this invention can be used in any environment where it is desired to absorb impact energy while minimizing or eliminating the threat of composite fracture such as in highway guard rails, machinery housings or protective helmets.