TY - JOUR A1 - Valentini, Martino A1 - De Almeida, Olivier A1 - Kakkonen, Markus A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Dorigato, Andrea A1 - Kallio, Pasi A1 - Fredi, Giulia T1 - Effect of fiber surface state on the thermomechanical and interfacial properties of in situ polymerized polyamide 6/basalt fiber composites N2 - This study investigates the thermomechanical properties and interfacial adhesion of novel in-situ polymerized anionic polyamide 6 (aPA6) composites reinforced with basalt fibers (BF). The impact of different BF surface states - as-received (BFa), ethanol-washed (BFw), and thermally desized (BFu) on composite performance is examined through a comprehensive approach. For the first time, anionic PA6/BF composites with very low residual monomer content were successfully produced via thermoplastic resin transfer molding (tRTM). The PA6/BFw composites exhibited the highest interlaminar/interfacial shear strength in short beam shear test (52 ±8 MPa) and fiber push out test (34 ± 11 MPa) tests. Fiber microdebonding test, performed only on PA6/BFw, yielded a low interfacial shear strength (12 ± 4 MPa), which was attributed to droplet porosity resulting from concurrent polymerization and crystallization. Thermal desizing significantly deteriorated interfacial strength (19.6 ± 1.2 MPa in short beam shear test). This multi-technique characterization provides insights into optimizing the fiber–matrix adhesion in these advanced thermoplastic composites. KW - Anionic Polyamide 6 KW - Reactive thermoplastics KW - Basalt fibers KW - Microdebonding KW - Fiber push out KW - Short beam shear test PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-623596 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2024.108681 SN - 1878-5840 VL - 190 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - Elsevier Ltd. CY - Niederlande AN - OPUS4-62359 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Thuy, Maximilian A1 - Pedragosa-Rincon, M. A1 - Niebergall, Ute A1 - Oehler, H. A1 - Alig, I. A1 - Böhning, Martin T1 - Environmental Stress Cracking of High-Density Polyethylene Applying Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics N2 - The crack propagation rate of environmental stress cracking was studied on high-density polyethylene compact tension specimens under static loading. Selected environmental liquids are distilled water, 2 wt% aqueous Arkopal N100 solution, and two model liquid mixtures, one based on solvents and one on detergents, representing stress cracking test liquids for commercial crop protection products. The different surface tensions and solubilities, which affect the energetic facilitation of void nucleation and craze development, are studied. Crack growth in surface-active media is strongly accelerated as the solvents induce plasticization, followed by strong blunting significantly retarding both crack initiation and crack propagation. The crack propagation rate for static load as a function of the stress intensity factor within all environments is found to follow the Paris–Erdogan law. Scanning electron micrographs of the fracture surface highlight more pronounced structures with both extensive degrees of plasticization and reduced crack propagation rate, addressing the distinct creep behavior of fibrils. Additionally, the limitations of linear elastic fracture mechanisms for visco-elastic polymers exposed to environmental liquids are discussed. KW - Crack propagation KW - Environmental stress cracking KW - Fracture toughness KW - Crop protection products KW - High-density polyethylene KW - Craze–crack mechanism KW - Linear elastic fracture mechanics KW - Stress intensity factor PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-550476 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122415 SN - 2073-4360 VL - 14 IS - 12 SP - 1 EP - 21 PB - MDPI CY - Basel AN - OPUS4-55047 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Thuy, Maximilian A1 - Niebergall, Ute A1 - Oehler, H. A1 - Alig, I. A1 - Böhning, Martin T1 - Damaging effect of admixtures used in crop protection products on high density polyethylene packaging material N2 - The phenomenon of environmental stress cracking is still a major issue in materials engineering as well as from a scientific perspective. Especially in the case of packaging materials made of high-density polyethylene, assessing the potential of premature damage due to environmental stress cracking is complex because of the large number of components in possible liquid filling goods. As a first guideline, the well-known effect of detergents and dispersants is usually considered, but the interplay with other components, such as organic solvents is often unknown. Particularly challenging in this respect are crop protection products, consisting of several different admixtures in addition to the biologically active ingredients. This study is based on two model liquids representing these admixtures that were established for testing in this context. The model liquids as well as their constituting components were used as liquid media in the Full Notch Creep Test to characterize the environmental stress cracking behavior of a typical high-density polyethylene. Complementary to the time-to failure of a notched specimen obtained from these tests, the crack opening was monitored optically, and the fracture surface was analyzed post-failure by laser scanning microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy. Based on the results, the effect of various surfactants as well as the influence of organic solvents on environmental stress cracking are discussed. KW - Environmental stress cracking KW - High-density polyethylene KW - Crop protection products KW - Full notch creep test KW - Fracture surface analysis KW - Crack opening displacement PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-554631 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2022.107672 SN - 0142-9418 VL - 114 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - Elsevier Ltd. CY - Amsterdam AN - OPUS4-55463 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Thuy, Maximilian A1 - Niebergall, Ute A1 - Oehler, H. A1 - Alig, I. A1 - Böhning, Martin T1 - Evaluation of the damaging effect of crop protection formulations on high density polyethylene using the Full Notch Creep Test N2 - Four typical high-density polyethylene container materials were used to investigate damage or stress cracking behavior in contact with model liquids for crop protection products. These model liquids are established in German regulations for the approval of dangerous goods containers and consist of typical admixtures used for crop protection products but without biological active ingredients. This study is performed with the standardized method of Full Notch Creep Test, adapting the media temperature to 40 °C according to the usual conditions where these test liquids are applied. The two model liquids differ into a water-based solution and a composition based on different organic solvents which are absorbed by the material up to significant levels. Therefore, extensive sorption measurements are performed. The fracture surfaces obtained are analyzed in detail not only by light microscopy, but also by laser scanning microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy. Influence of pre-saturation and applied stress are addressed by respective systematic series of experiments. KW - Polyethylene KW - Full Notch Creep Test KW - Environmental Stress Cracking KW - Fracture PY - 2021 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2021.123853 SN - 0032-3861 VL - 228 SP - 123853 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-52686 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Taketa, I. A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Gorbatikh, L. A1 - Lomov, S. A1 - Verpoest, I. T1 - Influence of cooling rate on the properties of carbon fiber unidirectional composites with polypropylene, polyamide 6, and polyphenylene sulfide matrices N2 - The longitudinal and transverse strength of three unidirectional thermoplastic prepreg systems: carbon fiber/polypropylene (CF/PP), polyamide 6 (CF/PA6), and polyphenylene sulfide (CF/PPS) are studied and analytical formulas are proposed for the estimation of matrix and fiber/matrix interface properties from composites properties. Since the matrices are semi-crystalline thermoplastics, the influence of cooling rate on the strength is statistically evaluated. While the 0° tensile strength is found to be independent of the cooling rate, the 90° tensile strength is strongly influenced by the matrix type and cooling rate. The matrix modulus increases as the cooling rate is decreased; the degree of crystallinity also increases. The matrix residual stress, interfacial shear strength, and mode II interlaminar fracture toughness are also found to depend on the cooling rate, with the trends different for different matrices. KW - Matrix residual stress KW - Thermoplastic prepreg KW - Unidirectional composites KW - Cooling rate KW - Interfacial strength PY - 2020 DO - https://doi.org/10.1080/09243046.2019.1651083 SN - 0924-3046 SN - 1568-5519 N1 - Die originale japanische Version des Artikels erschien in: Journal of the Japan Society for Composite Materials, Jg. 44, Nr. 4 (2018), S. 123-128. - The original Japanese version of the article was published in: Journal of the Japan Society for Composite Materials, vol. 44, no. 4 (2018), pp. 123-128. VL - 29 IS - 1 SP - 101 EP - 113 PB - Taylor & Francis CY - London AN - OPUS4-45433 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schraa, Lucas A1 - Rodricks, Carol A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Roetsch, Karl A1 - Scheffler, Christina A1 - Sambale, Anna A1 - Uhlig, Kai A1 - Stommel, Markus A1 - Trappe, Volker T1 - Characterisation and Modelling of the Fibre-Matrix Interface of Short Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics using the Push-Out Technique N2 - This study investigates the suitability of the single fibre push-out (SFPO) test for the determination of the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of injection moulded short fibre reinforced thermoplastics. It includes a detailed description of the required sample preparation steps and the boundary conditions of the SFPO setup. Experimental SFPO tests were carried out on PA66 GF, PPA GF35 and PA6 GF50 materials. Furthermore, a finite element model was set up to simulate the behaviour of these materials during this test. The numerical results showed that the inhomogeneous stress distribution in the fibre-matrix interphase during the test causes the measured apparent IFSS to underestimate the true strength of the interphase. The simulations put the experimental results into perspective and provide valuable information for the further development of the test setup. This study therefore not only provides new insights into the interphase strength of injection moulded short fibre reinforced thermoplastics, but also an insight into local load conditions during testing and thus an indication of the true IFSS. KW - GFRP KW - Interface KW - fibre matrix bond KW - single fibre push-out PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-626087 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2025.112317 SN - 1879-1069 VL - 297 SP - 1 EP - 8 PB - Elsevier Ltd. CY - Niederlande AN - OPUS4-62608 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schilling, Markus A1 - Niebergall, Ute A1 - Marschall, Niklas A1 - Meinel, Dietmar A1 - Böhning, Martin T1 - Relation of craze to crack length during slow crack growth phenomena in high‐density polyethylene N2 - The craze‐crack mechanism occurring in high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) causing slow crack growth and environmental stress cracking is investigated in detail with respect to the relation of crack length and the related craze zone. This is essential for the understanding of the resulting features of the formed fracture surface and their interpretation in the context of the transition from crack propagation to ductile shear deformation. It turns out that an already formed craze zone does not inevitably result in formation of a propagating crack, but could also undergo ductile failure. For the examination, the full notch creep test (FNCT) was employed with a subsequent advanced fracture surface analysis that was performed using various imaging techniques: light microscopy, laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray micro computed tomography scan. FNCT specimens were progressively damaged for increasing durations under standard test conditions applying Arkopal, the standard surfactant solution, and biodiesel as test media were used to analyze the stepwise growth of cracks and crazes. From considerations based on well‐established fracture mechanics approaches, a theoretical correlation between the length of the actual crack and the length of the preceding craze zone was established that could be evidenced and affirmed by FNCT fracture surface analysis. Moreover, the yield strength of a HDPE material exposed to a certain medium as detected by a classic tensile test was found to be the crucial value of true stress to induce the transition from crack propagation due to the craze‐crack mechanism to shear deformation during FNCT measurements. Highlights - Progress of crack formation in high‐density polyethylene is analyzed by different imaging techniques - Determined growth rates depend on distinction between craze zone and crack - The ratio of the present crack to the anteceding craze zone is validated theoretically - The transition from crack propagation to ductile shear deformation is identified - An already formed craze zone may still fail by ductile mechanisms KW - Craze-crack mechanism KW - Environmental stress cracking (ESC) KW - Full notch creep test (FNCT) KW - Laser scanning microscopy (LSM) KW - Slow crack growth (SCG) KW - X-ray computed tomography (CT) PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-601831 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.26698 SN - 1548-2634 VL - 64 IS - 6 SP - 2387 EP - 2403 PB - Wiley AN - OPUS4-60183 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schilling, Markus A1 - Niebergall, Ute A1 - Marschall, Niklas A1 - Alig, I. A1 - Böhning, Martin T1 - A phenomenological criterion for an optical assessment of PE-HD fracture surfaces obtained from FNCT N2 - The full-notch creep test (FNCT) is a common test method to evaluate the environmental stress cracking (ESC) behavior of high-density polyethylene (PE-HD), e.g. for container materials. The test procedure as specified in ISO 16770 provides a comparative measure of the resistance against ESC using the time to failure of PE-HD specimens under constant mechanical load in a well-defined liquid test environment. Since the craze-crack damage mechanism underlying the ESC phenomenon is associated with brittle failure, the occurrence of a predominantly brittle fracture surface is a prerequisite to consider an FNCT measurement as representative for ESC, i.e. a time to failure dominated by craze-crack propagation. The craze-crack propagation continuously reduces the effective residual cross-sectional area of the specimen during the test, which results in a corresponding increase of the effective mechanical stress. Thus, a transition to ductile shear deformation is inevitable at later stages of the test, leading usually to a pronounced central ligament. Therefore, an optical evaluation of FNCT fracture surfaces concerning their brittleness is essential. An enhanced imaging analysis of FNCT fracture surfaces enables a detailed assessment of craze-crack Propagation during ESC. In this study, laser scanning microscopy (LSM) was employed to evaluate whether FNCT fracture surfaces are representative with respect to craze-crack propagation and ESC. Based on LSM height data, a phenomenological criterion is proposed to assess the validity of distinct FNCT measurements. This criterion is supposed to facilitate a quick evaluation of FNCT results in practical routine testing. Its applicability is verified on a sample basis for seven different commercial PE-HD container materials. KW - Environmental stress cracking (ESC) KW - Full notch creep test (FNCT) KW - Laser scanning microscopy (LSM) KW - Fracture surfaces KW - Optical criterion of brittleness PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-521012 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2020.107002 VL - 94 SP - 107002 PB - Elsevier Ltd. CY - Amsterdam AN - OPUS4-52101 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schilling, Markus A1 - Marschall, Niklas A1 - Niebergall, Ute A1 - Wachtendorf, Volker A1 - Böhning, Martin T1 - Characteristics of environmental stress cracking of PE-HD induced by biodiesel and diesel fuels N2 - In the context of the increasing effect of carbon dioxide emissions on the global climate biodiesel produced from renewable sources has emerged as a promising contender replacing fossil fuels, especially in long-range transport vehicles, using existing engines and infrastructure. High-density polyethylene is one of the prevailing materials for pipe and container applications for storage and transport of such fuels, both, from fossil and renewable resources. The contact with the respective fuels raises questions concerning material compatibility as biodiesel exhibits significant differences compared to conventional diesel fuel affecting its sorption and plasticization behavior in polyethylene. In this study, its behavior with respect to environmental stress cracking, considered one of the most frequent damage mechanisms leading to failure of polymer parts and packaging, was evaluated using the well-established Full Notch Creep Test. This approach allows for a detailed fracture surface analysis using imaging techniques, such as optical and laser scanning microscopy, as well as infrared spectroscopy. Comparing the environmental stress cracking behavior in standard surfactant solutions with that in biodiesel and diesel, respective crack propagation rates, showing different levels of acceleration, were determined and details of the underlying mechanisms could be revealed. Furthermore, the specific infrared absorption of the biodiesel’s ester functionality allows its semi-quantitative determination on the fracture surface of the tested specimens after failure. Thus, a preferred uptake of sorptive fluids in the fracture zone due to local morphological changes of the polyethylene could be directly evidenced by infrared spectroscopy. KW - Environmental stress cracking (ESC) KW - Full notch creep test (FNCT) KW - Confocal laser scanning microscopy (LSM) KW - Biodiesel KW - Diesel PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-608591 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2024.108547 SN - 0142-9418 VL - 138 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-60859 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schilling, Markus A1 - Marschall, Niklas A1 - Niebergall, Ute A1 - Wachtendorf, Volker A1 - Böhning, Martin T1 - Unveiling Effects of Biodiesel and Diesel on Environmental Stress Cracking of PE-HD N2 - The behavior of high‐density polyethylene with respect to resistance against environmental stress cracking (ESC) is usually regarded as an inherent material property being specific for respective types of PE‐HD and tested using standardized methods, conditions, and also standard testing liquids (usually aqueous surfactant solutions). On the other hand, for practical applications the ESC behavior of those polymeric materials, commonly used for pipes or containers, in contact with other liquids (e.g., fuels) is often of relevant interest, but for a reasonable assessment, where consistent benchmark data for a direct comparison are often missing, it is essential to determine the actually prevailing failure mode and classify it related to crack propagation or other mechanisms. Using the well‐established Full Notch Creep Test, which favorably allows for a detailed microscopic fracture surface analysis after failure, the behavior of two typical PE‐HD types for container applications is investigated in biodiesel and diesel and compared to a standard surfactant solution. This enables a clear identification of characteristic features of the interaction of biodiesel and diesel as sorptive fuels in contact with the polymer, revealing the complex interplay of sorption and plasticization as well as ESC inducing effects on PE‐HD, which could be clearly shown for both fuels. KW - Biodiesel KW - Confocal laser scanning microscopy (LSM) KW - Diesel KW - Full notch creep test (FNCT) KW - Plasticization PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-650525 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.70239 SN - 0032-3888 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - Wiley CY - Hoboken (NJ) AN - OPUS4-65052 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schilling, Markus A1 - Marschall, Niklas A1 - Niebergall, Ute A1 - Böhning, Martin T1 - Modernizing FNCT data handling in polymer labs: Towards efficient management N2 - A streamlined Python-based workflow for transforming Full-Notch Creep Test (FNCT) data into organized, machine-actionable formats is presented. The workflow automates the conversion of raw FNCT data from classic CSV and Excel files into structured outputs that facilitate future semantic integration. Emphasizing practical data handling, the approach includes automation scripts for efficient data extraction, transformation, and storage, which culminate in well-ordered files. This transformation paves the way for potential semantic data integration and facilitates access for users with varying levels of digital experience to enhanced data management in polymer research and testing. KW - PE-HD KW - Full-Notch Creep Test (FNCT) KW - Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC) KW - Data Interoperability KW - FAIR Data KW - Semantic Data PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-637826 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.commatsci.2025.114085 SN - 0927-0256 VL - 259 SP - 1 EP - 5 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-63782 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rodricks, Carol Winnifred A1 - Prockat, Annabell A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Trappe, Volker T1 - Novel Recyclable Hierarchical Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites: Preserving Fiber Length and Orientation Using Elium N2 - Current recycling methods for polymer matrix composites produce short, unoriented carbon fibers, limiting their use to intermediate‐strength applications. A method is therefore needed to recycle fibers while preserving their original length and orientation, enabling a circular economy for carbon fiber composites. This study proposes a novel hierarchical composite designed to retain fiber length and orientation during recycling. Virgin carbon fibers are encased in an insoluble epoxy matrix to form tapes that act as the primary units of the structure. The primary tape matrix shields the fibers from chemical degradation while preserving their alignment throughout recycling. The tapes are then embedded in a secondary recyclable matrix, Elium, a thermoplastic polymer soluble in acetone with mechanical properties comparable to epoxy. The composite is recycled by dissolving the secondary Elium matrix in acetone and recovering the primary tape units with intact fiber length and orientation. The primary units can then be used to assemble new composites. In this study, hierarchical composite laminates underwent recycling up to three times. Their mechanical properties were assessed after each cycle. Laminates with an Elium secondary matrix retained 60%–90% of the mechanical performance of epoxy‐based laminates. Minimal degradation was observed between cycles, and fiber length, orientation, and volume fraction were fully preserved. Pushout tests confirmed that fibers in the primary tapes were sufficiently shielded during the recycling process. These results validate the feasibility of a hierarchical recyclable composite that combines recyclability with high mechanical performance, serving as a proof of concept and providing opportunities for future development. KW - Review KW - Interface KW - Micromechanics KW - Polymer matrix composites KW - Glass fibre reinforced composites PY - 2026 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-655276 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.70869 SN - 0272-8397 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - Wiley Periodicals LLC. AN - OPUS4-65527 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rabe, T. A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Mieller, Björn T1 - Manufacturing and deformation behavior of alumina and zirconia helical springs at room temperature N2 - Ceramic helical springs with identical dimensions were produced by hard machining from alumina, alumina toughened zirconia (ATZ), and tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (TZP) stabilized with different oxides. According to the results of the spring constant determination under deformation rates of 3 mm/min, the deformation behavior of all ceramic springs obeys to Hook’s law. However, variation of the deformation rate, tests under constant load, and spring recovery behavior revealed differences in the deformation behavior of alumina, TZP, and ATZ springs. Alumina springs exhibited time-independent deformation in all tests. In contrast, anelastic deformation at room temperature was demonstrated in all springs containing TZP. This deformation is completely reversible over a period of several days. Anelastic behavior is particularly pronounced in Y-TZP springs, whereas Ce-TZP springs exhibit comparatively very low but still reliably detectable anelasticity. Oxygen vacancies in the TZP ceramic are considered the most likely explanation for the anelastic behavior of TZP springs at room temperature. KW - Alumina KW - Creep KW - Elastic properties KW - Zirconia PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-571858 DO - https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.19085 SN - 0002-7820 SP - 1 EP - 14 PB - Wiley-Blackwell CY - Oxford [u.a.] AN - OPUS4-57185 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Plichta, T. A1 - Sirjovona, V. A1 - Zvonek, M. A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Cech, V. T1 - The Adhesion of Plasma Nanocoatings Controls the Shear Properties of GF/Polyester Composite N2 - High-performance fibre-reinforced polymer composites are important construction materials based not only on the specific properties of the reinforcing fibres and the flexible polymer Matrix but also on the compatible properties of the composite interphase. First, oxygen-free (a-CSi:H) and oxygen-binding (a-CSiO:H) plasma nanocoatings of different mechanical and tribological properties were deposited on planar silicon dioxide substrates that closely mimic E-glass. The nanoscratch test was used to characterize the nanocoating adhesion expressed in terms of critical normal load and work of adhesion. Next, the same nanocoatings were deposited on E-glass fibres, which were used as reinforcements in the polyester composite to affect its interphase properties. The shear properties of the polymer composite were characterized by macro- and micromechanical tests, namely a short beam shear test to determine the short-beam strength and a single fibre push-out test to determine the interfacial shear strength. The results of the polymer composites showed a strong correlation between the short-beam strength and the interfacial shear strength, proving that both tests are sensitive to changes in fibre-matrix adhesion due to different surface modifications of glass fibres (GF). Finally, a strong correlation between the shear properties of the GF/polyester composite and the adhesion of the plasma nanocoating expressed through the work of adhesion was demonstrated. Thus, increasing the work of adhesion of plasma nanocoatings from 0.8 to 1.5 mJ·m−2 increased the short-beam strength from 23.1 to 45.2 MPa. The results confirmed that the work of adhesion is a more suitable parameter in characterising the level of nanocoating adhesion in comparison with the critical normal load. KW - Mechanical properties KW - Plasma nanocoatings KW - Glass fibre KW - Polymer composite KW - Short-beam strength KW - Interfacial shear strength KW - Work of adhesion PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-521844 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13040593 VL - 13 IS - 4 SP - 593 PB - MDPI CY - Basel,Schweiz AN - OPUS4-52184 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Pavasarytė, Lina A1 - Azevedo do Nascimento, Allana A1 - Cysne Barbosa, Ana Paula A1 - Trappe, Volker A1 - Melo, Daniel T1 - Effects of particle size and particle concentration of poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) on properties of epoxy resin N2 - Self-healing polymers have been developed to improve durability and reduce costs associated with maintenance during service. The addition of thermoplastics to thermosets to produce mendable polymers appears as a promising selfhealing technique. In this study, poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (EMAA) was added to epoxy resin and the effects of EMAA addition on epoxy properties were evaluated. Specimens with two different contents of thermoplastic and particles sizes were manufactured. A two-level full factorial experimental design was used to evaluate the effect of particle size and particle content on properties of epoxy modified with addition of EMAA. Tensile tests and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were used and the evaluated responses were tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and glass transition temperature (Tg). X-ray computed tomography (XCT) was used to investigate particle size and concentration after manufacturing. It was found that the particle concentration has greater effects on stress–strain behavior of epoxy while Tg was not significantly affected by neither of the analyzed entrance variables. KW - Fracture KW - Self-healing KW - Epoxy KW - Thermoplastic PY - 2024 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/app.55677 SN - 0021-8995 SP - 1 EP - 14 PB - Wiley online library AN - OPUS4-60205 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Maximilian, Thuy A1 - Spyrantis, Alexander A1 - Böhning, Martin A1 - Niebergall, Ute A1 - Maaß, Robert T1 - Spatially resolved roughness exponent in polymer fracture N2 - The fracture surface of slow and continuous crack propagation during environmental stress cracking of a semicrystalline polyethylene exhibits isotropic roughness exponents at the local scale but resolved across the macroscopic fracture surface a clear position dependence is found. The spatially resolved roughness exponent admits values in the range between 0.1 and 0.4, demonstrating nontrivial exponents in the small length-scale regime. Instead, they vary across the fracture surface according to the stress-state distribution, which suggests that the exponents are intimately linked to the locally dominating dissipation processes during craze cracking. KW - Plasticity KW - Fracture KW - Material failure KW - Mechanical deformation PY - 2022 DO - https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.6.L090601 VL - 6 IS - 9 SP - 1 EP - 7 PB - American Physical Society CY - USA, Maryland AN - OPUS4-55797 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Lüders, C. A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Li, Wei A1 - Sinapius, M. A1 - Wille, T. T1 - Experimental and numerical multiscale approach to thermally cycled FRP N2 - Due to the different thermal expansion of the constituent materials, cyclic thermal loading of FRP induces alternating stresses in the material at two scales: at the micro scale (level of fibre–matrix-interaction) and at the macro scale (level of the multidirectional laminate). Especially the micro scale effect is not comprehensively investigated yet. Additionally, computational investigations mostly neglect this effect due to the homogenous modelling of the composite material. As this effect is assumed to significantly contribute to the fatigue of FRP at thermal loads, the present paper suggests an experimental and numerical multiscale approach including Experiments at the different involved material scales to separately observe the effects acting at these scales. The approach also includes numerical modelling for each scale to complement the knowledge gained from the Experiments and to create a basis for the consideration of the micro effect even in macroscopic fatigue models treating homogeneous modelled composites. The main focus of the contribution is to bring the overall Approach up for discussion, rather than to present the multiscale modelling details. KW - Fatigue KW - Thermal cycling KW - Fibre reinforced plastic KW - Cryogenic KW - Carbon Fibre KW - Epoxy Resin PY - 2020 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.112303 SN - 0263-8223 VL - 244 SP - 112303 PB - Elsevier Ltd. CY - Niederlande AN - OPUS4-50844 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Lamoriniere, S. A1 - Mitchell, P. J. A1 - Ho, K. A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Shaffer, M. S. P. A1 - Bismarck, A. T1 - Carbon nanotube enhanced carbon Fibre-Poly(ether ether ketone) interfaces in model hierarchical composites N2 - Poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK) has a high continuous service temperature, excellent mechanical properties, and good solvent and abrasion resistance, which can be further improved through the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). CNT-PEEK nanocomposites are promising matrices for continuous carbon fibre composites; powder processing can mitigate the high melt viscosities in these systems. In this study, model single fibre (hierarchical) composites were produced by embedding sized and desized carbon fibres in nanocomposite CNTPEEK powders followed by single fibre pull-out tests to assess interfacial characteristics. Carbon fibre-PEEK interfacial shear strength is typically 40–45 MPa. Increasing CNT loadings increased fibre-matrix interfacial shear strength linearly up to ~70 MPa at 5.0 wt%, which was attributed to the CNT-based mechanical modification of the PEEK matrix. Apparent interfacial shear strength was inversely correlated with the embedded fibre length irrespective of carbon fibre sizing or CNT loading, indicating brittle fracture of the fibre-matrix interface. Pulled out carbon fibres were still coated with the matrix, which indicated strong adhesion at the interface in all samples, likely related to a transcrystalline region. Adhesion was, however, negatively affected by the presence of epoxy sizings. Frictional shear strength was independent of embedded fibre length and CNT content for all samples. KW - Keywords: Poly(ether ether ketone) KW - Carbon fibres KW - Carbon nanotubes KW - Interfacial strength KW - Debonding PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-550052 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2022.109327 SN - 0266-3538 VL - 221 SP - 1 EP - 8 PB - Elsevier Ltd. CY - Niederlande AN - OPUS4-55005 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kupsch, Andreas A1 - Trappe, Volker A1 - Müller, Bernd R. A1 - Bruno, Giovanni T1 - Evolution of CFRP stress cracks observed by in situ X-ray refractive imaging N2 - Modern air-liners and wind turbine rotor blades are made up primarily of fiber reinforced plastics. Failure of these materials heavily impairs the serviceability and the operational safety. Consequently, knowledge of the failure behavior under static and cyclic loads is of great interest to estimate the operational strength and to compare the performance of different materials. Ideally, the damage evolution under operational load is determined with in situ non-destructive testing techniques. Here, we report in-situ synchrotron X-ray imaging of tensile stress induced cracks in carbon fiber reinforced plastics due to inter-fiber failure. An inhouse designed compact tensile testing machine with a load range up to 15 kN was integrated into the beamline. Since conventional radiographs do not reveal sufficient contrast to distinguish cracks due to inter-fiber failure and micro cracking from fiber bundles, the Diffraction Enhanced Imaging (DEI) technique is applied in order to separate primary and scattered (refracted) radiation by means of an analyzer crystal. This technique allows fast measurements over large fields-of-view and is ideal for in-situ investigations. Imaging and the tensile test are run at the highest possible frame rate (0.7 s-1 ) and the lowest possible strain rate (5.5∙10-4 s -1 ). For 0°/90° non-crimp fabrics, the first inter-fiber cracks occur at 380 MPa (strain 0.8 %). Prior to failure at about 760 MPa (strain 2.0 %), we observe the evolution of nearly equidistant (1 mm distance) cracks running across the entire sample in the fully damaged state. KW - X-ray refraction KW - Diffraction Enhanced Imaging KW - Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics KW - In situ tensile test KW - Crack evolution PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-515060 DO - https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/942/1/012035 SN - 1757-8981 SN - 1757-899X VL - 942 SP - 012035-1 EP - 012035-9 PB - IOP publishing CY - Bristol, UK AN - OPUS4-51506 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kraus, David A1 - Trappe, Volker T1 - Transverse damage in glass fiber reinforced polymer under thermo-mechanical loading N2 - In this study, the thermomechanical damage behavior of a glass fiber reinforced polymer material is investigated. The coefficients of thermal expansion of the composite as well as the matrix are measured in a wide temperature range. Quasi-static experiments with neat resin, unidirectional and multidirectional laminates are performed as well as fatigue experiments in a temperature range from 213 K to 343 K. This study focusses on the matrix damage due to fiber-parallel loading. A correlation between matrix effort, the dilatational strain energy of the matrix and the damage state of the specimen is demonstrated. It is shown that a fatigue life assessment can be performed with the aid of a temperature-independent master fatigue curve. KW - Composite KW - Glass fiber reinforced polymer KW - Thermo-mechanics KW - Fatigue KW - Damage KW - Temperature PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-527462 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomc.2021.100147 SN - 2666-6820 VL - 5 SP - 100147 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-52746 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Krauklis, A. E. A1 - Starovka, O. A1 - Gibhardt, D. A1 - Aouissi, H. A. A1 - Burlakovs, J. A1 - Sabalina, A. A1 - Fiedler, Bodo A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard T1 - Reversible and irreversible effects on the epoxy GFRP fiber-matrix interphase due to hydrothermal aging N2 - Epoxy R-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composite plates were hydrothermally aged at 60 ◦C for 23, 75, and 133 days. The water content reached 0.97 wt%, 1.45 wt% and 1.63 wt%, respectively. The studied GFRP matrix was inert to hydrolysis or chain scission, allowing for investigation of irreversible changes in the fiber-matrix interphase due to hydrothermal aging upon re-drying. During each period, a subset of the specimens was removed from the water bath and dried in a chamber. The weight loss upon drying was explained with epoxy leaching (impurities), sizing-rich interphase hydrolysis, glass fiber surface hydrolysis, accumulated degradation products escaping, and water changing state from bound to free. The influence of hydrothermal aging on the fiber-matrix interfacial properties was investigated. Lower interfacial strength of hydrothermally aged (wet) samples was attributed to plasticization of the epoxy, plasticization and degradation of the sizing-rich interphase (including formation of hydrolytic flaws), and hydrolytic degradation of the glass fiber surface. The kinetics of epoxy-compatible epoxysilane W2020 sizing-rich interphase hydrolysis provided an estimate of ca. 1.49%, 4.80%, and 8.49% of the total composite interphase degraded after 23, 75, and 133 days, respectively. At these conditions, the interface lost 39%, 48%, and 51% of its strength. Upon re-drying the specimens, a significant part of the interfacial strength was regained. Furthermore, an upward trend was observed, being 13%, 10% and 3% strength, respectively; thus, indicating a possibility of partial recovery of properties. KW - GFRP KW - Hydrothermal Ageging KW - Interphase KW - Water Diffusion KW - Desorption KW - Interfacial Strength PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-581554 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomc.2023.100395 SN - 2666-6820 VL - 12 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - Elsevier B.V. CY - Amsterdam, Niederlande AN - OPUS4-58155 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Guerra, E. S. S. A1 - Silva, B. L. A1 - Melo, J. D. D. A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Barbosa, A. P. C. T1 - Microscale evaluation of epoxy matrix composites containing thermoplastic healing agent N2 - Among the strategies to produce healable thermosetting systems is their modification by the addition of thermoplastic particles. This work investigates the influence of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (EMAA) on fibermatrix interfacial properties of a glass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composite. Epoxy-EMAA interactions were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared spectroscopy. The effects of EMAA on the epoxy network formation were evidenced by changes in glass transition temperature, cure kinetics and alteration of chemical groups during cure. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) measurements obtained by single fiber pull-out tests indicate similar interfacial properties for pure and EMAA modified epoxy. Additionally, the potential for self-healing ability of an EMAA modified epoxy was demonstrated. However, IFSS after a healing cycle for the EMAA modified epoxy was lower as compared to the pure epoxy, because of the lower fiber-EMAA interfacial shear strength. So, thermoplastic healing agents has not only to fill cracks in the matrix material, but also have to be optimized regarding its interface properties to the reinforcing fibers. KW - Interfacial strength KW - Fiber/matrix bond KW - Self-healing KW - Polymer-matrix composites (PMC) PY - 2022 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2022.109843 SN - 0266-3538 VL - 232 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - Elsevier Ltd. CY - Niederlande AN - OPUS4-56379 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ghafafian, Carineh A1 - Trappe, Volker T1 - Prolonging structural integrity—Fatigue of scarf repairs for wind turbine blade shell applications N2 - The influence of scarf repair variables on the mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced polymer sandwich structures is examined for the application of wind turbine blade shell repairs. Reference shell specimens are tested under fully-reversed cyclic loading to understand the fatigue behavior of the sub-component structure within a range of in-service loads, to which shell specimens with a scarf joint repair are compared. A fatiguesuperior repair material is shown to improve the fatigue behavior of the repaired structures compared to the reference specimens. In separating layup and geometry, damage development is examined on the subcomponent scale for a structural understanding of a scarf repair using in-situ digital image correlation-based strain field measurements as well as passive thermography. Within scarf repair variables, the geometry is shown to play a larger role than layup in the fatigue performance of the repaired structure. KW - Polymer–matrix composites KW - Fatigue KW - Joints/joining PY - 2023 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107419 SN - 1359-835X VL - 167 SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-56942 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ghafafian, Carineh A1 - Popiela, Bartosz A1 - Trappe, Volker T1 - Failure Mechanisms of GFRP Scarf Joints under Tensile Load N2 - A potential repair alternative to restoring the mechanical properties of lightweight fiberreinforced polymer (FRP) structures is to locally patch these areas with scarf joints. The effects of such repair methods on the structural integrity, however, are still largely unknown. In this paper, the mechanical property restoration, failure mechanism, and influence of fiber orientation mismatch between parent and repair materials of 1:50 scarf joints are studied on monolithic glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) specimens under tensile load. Two different parent orientations of [-45/+45]2S and [0/90]2S are exemplarily examined, and control specimens are taken as a baseline for the tensile strength and stiffness property recovery assessment. Using a layer-wise stress analysis with finite element simulations conducted with ANSYS Composite PrepPost to support the experimental investigation, the fiber orientation with respect to load direction is shown to affect the critical regions and thereby failure mechanism of the scarf joint specimens. KW - Scarf joint KW - Glass fiber reinforced polymers KW - Failure mechanisms PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-523952 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14071806 VL - 14 IS - 7 SP - 1806 PB - MDPI CY - Basel, Switzerland AN - OPUS4-52395 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gebhardt, M. A1 - Manolakis, I. A1 - Chatterjee, A. A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Deubener, J. A1 - Pfnür, H. A1 - Chakraborty, S. A1 - Meiners, D. T1 - Reducing the raw material usage for room temperature infusible and polymerisable thermoplastic CFRPs through reuse of recycled waste matrix material N2 - In this work, a closed loop recycling process is investigated, which allows polymerised bulk thermoplastic matrix (Elium 150) from production waste (also referred to as recyclate) to be reused as additive in composite manufacturing by vacuum assisted resin infusion (VARI) of virgin Elium 150 monomer. It is shown that this process can save up to 7.5 wt% of virgin material usage in each processing cycle. At the same time, the thermal stability and stiffness of the composite increases with the proportion of recyclate introduced. Contemporarily, the shear and bending properties have also been observed to improve. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) showed that the changes observed are due to an increase in molecular weight with the recyclate content. In particular, a correlation between the molecular weight and the shear properties of the composite was discovered using single fibre push-out tests. KW - Mechanical properties KW - Recycling KW - Carbon fibres KW - Fibre/matrix bond PY - 2021 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2021.108877 SN - 1359-8368 VL - 216 SP - 108877 PB - Elsevier Ltd. CY - Niederlande AN - OPUS4-52711 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gebhardt, M. A1 - Malolakis, I. A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Deubener, J. A1 - Chakraborty, S. A1 - Meiners, D. T1 - Re-use potential of carbon fibre fabric recovered from infusible thermoplastic CFRPs in 2nd generation thermosetting-matrix composites N2 - The research presented here attempts to assess the potential for re-using carbon fibre (CF) fabrics recovered from recycling infusible acrylic thermoplastic carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) in a universal manner, i.e. by combining with a wide variety of matrices to manufacture 2nd generation composite laminates by resin infusion. The 2nd generation composites have been compared in terms of bulk and interfacial properties against counteparts processed with virgin carbon fibre fabric infused with the same matrices. Generally, an increase in damping (tanδ) was observed in all 2nd generation composites, which can be attributed to a residual thin thermoplastic layer present on the recovered fibres. The interfacial adhesion of the 2nd generation Composites was investigated by shear tests and scanning electron micsoscopy, and also appears to be less influenced by the type of matrix. KW - Composite recycling KW - Thermoplastic matrix KW - Thermosetting resin KW - Fibre/matrix bonding PY - 2021 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coco.2021.100974 VL - 28 SP - 100974 PB - Elsevier Ltd. CY - Niederlande AN - OPUS4-53639 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Erdmann, Maren A1 - Niebergall, Ute A1 - Wachtendorf, Volker A1 - Böhning, Martin T1 - Evaluation of UV-induced embrittlement of PE-HD by Charpy impact test N2 - The impact fracture behavior of two common high-density polyethylene grades for container applications were intensively studied by the instrumented Charpy impact test after well-defined exposure to UV-irradiation. Individual stages of the impact event, such as crack initiation and crack propagation energy as well as maximum impact load, were investigated from the recorded load–deflection curves. UV-induced material property changes were further investigated by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic-mechanical analysis as well as density measurements. Based on the results of the Charpy impact test, three indicators were identified to describe the extend of photooxidation on high-density polyethylene: (a) a reduced Charpy impact strength—at least to half of its initial value for a distinctly brittle impact fracture, (b) a marked decrease in the crack propagation contribution to the impact strength, and (c) an increase of the brittle features of the fracture surface. KW - Degradation KW - Mechanical properties KW - Packaging KW - Polyolefins KW - Polyethylene PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-509130 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/APP.49069 SN - 0021-8995 VL - 137 IS - 36 SP - 49069 PB - Wiley AN - OPUS4-50913 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Erdmann, Maren A1 - Kleinbub, Sherin A1 - Wachtendorf, Volker A1 - Schütter, Jan David A1 - Niebergall, Ute A1 - Böhning, Martin A1 - Koerdt, Andrea T1 - Photo-oxidation of PE-HD affecting polymer/fuel interaction and bacterial attachment N2 - In the present study, a simple approach was used to investigate the effect of UV-exposure on two high density Polyethylene materials (PE-HD), commonly used for storage tanks, on fuel sorption behavior and colonization by microorganisms. The aim was to investigate whether the sorption behavior of the fuels (diesel/biodiesel) and the colonization by microorganisms, frequently occurring in the fuel, is affected and may lead to undesirable or safety-relevant material changes. We showed that the UV-irradiation leads to significant changes of the sorption behavior due to chemi-crystallization and crosslinking. The fuel Sorption is affected by the UV-induced formation of polar carbonyl and hydroxyl groups predominantly occurring at the surface. With respect to microbial colonization behavior for Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, isolated from a contaminated diesel sample, differences of the initial adhesion could be shown depending on the initial type of polyethylene as well as on the degree of UV-induced degradation. KW - High density polyethylene KW - Bacterial attachment KW - UV-irradiation KW - Fuel sorption PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-510001 DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-020-0122-1 VL - 4 IS - 1 SP - Article number: 18 PB - Nature Partner Journals AN - OPUS4-51000 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Colombo, Marta A1 - Mostoni, Silvia A1 - Fredi, Giulia A1 - Rodricks, Carol A1 - Kalinka, Gerhard A1 - Riva, Massimiliano A1 - Vassallo, Andrea A1 - Di Credico, Barbara A1 - Scotti, Roberto A1 - Zappalorto, Michele A1 - D'Arienzo, Massimiliano T1 - Interfacial Chemistry Behind Damage Monitoring in Glass Fiber‐Reinforced Composites: Attempts and Perspectives N2 - Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers (GFRPs) are widely used in structural applications but degrade over time due to internal damage. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) enables early damage detection, improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs. Traditional SHM methods are often invasive and expensive. An emerging solution involves the embedding of carbon‐based filler like carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide into GFRPs, forming conductive networks that detect damage through resistance changes. However, poor adhesion among GF, filler, and matrix can reduce mechanical performance. Therefore, tailoring GF and filler surface chemistry is essential to enhance durability and enable effective self‐sensing properties. This review summarizes the most recent efforts in modifying GF with carbon‐based filler to design GFRP with improved sensing ability and mechanical performance. After a brief introduction on the role of SHM solutions in early damage detection, an overview of the common GF and filler used in GFRPs will be provided. Then, the most relevant GF modification strategies exploited to incorporate carbon‐based filler in GFRPs will be described, focusing on the chemical grafting approach, which allows a careful optimization of the fiber/matrix interface. Last, a concise summary of the key mechanical and electrical tests to evaluate interfacial adhesion and self‐sensing will be supplied. KW - Review KW - Interface KW - Micromechanics KW - Polymer matrix composites KW - Glass fibre reinforced composites PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-639934 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.70332 SN - 0272-8397 SP - 1 EP - 30 PB - Wiley AN - OPUS4-63993 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Campbell, C. G. A1 - Jordon Astorga, D. A1 - Dümichen, Erik A1 - Celina, M. T1 - Thermoset materials characterization by thermal desorption or pyrolysis based gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methods N2 - Thermoset materials characterization is often limited to solid state analytical techniques such as IR, NMR, DSC, TGA and mechanical testing. Alternatively, their off-gassing behavior can also be evaluated using GC based techniques such as TD-GC-MS, allowing this method to be applied to thermoset materials analyses such as identification, aging characterization, and formulation optimization. As an overview, common thermoset materials were evaluated by analyzing their gaseous degradation products via TGA-based pyrolysis and subsequent TD-GC-MS for the identification of representative volatile signatures. It is thereby possible to distinguish different classes of phenolic materials or cured epoxy resins, as well as their amine or anhydride curatives. Additionally, this method enabled quantification of a volatile fragment (bisphenol A, BPA) which is associated with oxidation of epoxy/amine thermoset materials. The amount of evolved BPA increased linearly with aging time and this trend exhibits linear Arrhenius behavior over the temperature range (80–125 °C) studied, in agreement with oxidation sensitivies based on oxygen consumption data. Further, TD-GC-MS was used to explore how off-gassing of residual anhydride curative from an epoxy/anhydride material depends on formulation stoichiometry. Even in formulations that theoretically contained enough epoxy to consume all anhydride (1:1 stoichiometry), an imperfect final cure state resulted in residual anhydride which could evolve from the material. For such materials, a slightly epoxy-rich formulation is required to ensure that the material contains no residual unreacted anhydride. Analysis of volatiles generated by thermal exposure is an attractive characterization approach enabling compositional analysis as well as complementary diagnostics for materials degradation. KW - Polymer analysis/characterization KW - Thermal desorption mass spectrometry KW - Thermoset composition KW - Volatiles from thermosets KW - Degradation signatures PY - 2020 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2019.109032 VL - 174 SP - 109032 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-50435 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Beygi Nasrabadi, Hossein A1 - Klotz, Ulrich E. A1 - Tiberto, Dario A1 - Vafaeenezhad, Hossein A1 - Mishurova, Tatiana A1 - Skrotzki, Birgit T1 - Effect of keyhole and lack-of-fusion pores on the anisotropic microstructure and mechanical properties of PBF-LB/M-produced CuCrZr alloy N2 - Due to the high reflectance and heat conductivity of copper and its alloys, the processing window for laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) processing of high-density copper components fundamentally overlaps with conduction and keyhole melting zones, resulting in the emergence of certain pores in the structure of printed parts. The present research aims to study how the development of process-induced lack-of-fusion or keyhole porosities during the PBF-LB/M process can affect the anisotropic microstructure and mechanical properties of the produced copper alloys. For this purpose, several samples were produced utilizing a similar CuCrZr-feedstock composition but varied process parameters from different areas of the PBF-LB/M processing window, specifically at laser powers of 300 W and 380 W which define the boarders of the conduction and keyhole regimes. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) revealed that the 300-W and 380-W samples achieved relative densities of 98.88% and 99.99%, respectively, with elongated lack-of-fusion pores forming at 300 W and semi-spherical keyhole pores at 380 W. Microstructural analyses employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) demonstrated strong anisotropy in different build directions of the samples, owing to the growth of long columnar grains with intense < 101  orientation along the build directions. Here, the emergence of different types of pores can cause competition between the epitaxial growth of columnar grains and the heterogeneous nucleation of new grains on the layers’ interfaces, thereby significantly varying the grain size, preferred orientation, crystallographic texture, and microstructural anisotropy of the samples. Furthermore, compression tests and nanoindentation measurements of the printed alloys in the longitudinal and transverse directions revealed that the 300 W and 380 W samples exhibited compressive strength anisotropies of 0.061 and 0.072, and average nanoindentation hardness values of 1.3 GPa and 1.5 GPa, respectively. The orientation of elongated lack-of-fusion porosities perpendicular to the loading axis was identified as the most damaging factor, significantly reducing mechanical performance compared to the uniformly distributed keyhole pores. KW - Copper Alloy KW - Laser-based powder bed fusion KW - Microstructure KW - Mechanical properties KW - X-ray computed tomography (XCT) KW - Porosity KW - Anisotropy PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-625655 DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-025-00972-2 SN - 2363-9520 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - Springer Science and Business Media LLC AN - OPUS4-62565 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Azevedo do Nascimento, A. A1 - Trappe, Volker A1 - Diniz Melo, J. D. A1 - Cysne Barbosa, A. P. T1 - Fatigue behavior of self-healing glass fiber/epoxy composites with addition of poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (EMAA) N2 - The interest in repair technologies for polymer composites has increased significantly over the last decades, due to the growing use of these materials in structural applications. In this study, poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (EMAA) was used as self-healing agent to glass fiber/epoxy composite. Materials with EMAA contents of 2 wt% and 5 wt% were manufactured using Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and the effects of the healing agent on the properties were investigated using tensile tests and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). Results show slight variation of properties, which was more pronounced as the content of EMAA increased. In addition, the healing efficiency was investigated through fatigue tests and the addition of higher content of EMAA increased the number of cycles to failure after the healing activation cycle. KW - Fatigue KW - Glass fiber-epoxy composites KW - Self-healing KW - Smart materials PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-569661 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2022.107863 SN - 0142-9418 VL - 117 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-56966 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -