On the improvement of thermo-mechanical behavior of carbon/polyphenylene sulfide laminated composites upon annealing at high temperature

This work consists in investigating the influence of structural changes induced by annealing, such as presence a rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) and crosslinking, on mechanical properties polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fracture behavior (particularly tenacity) Carbon/PPS laminated composite. The first part study aimed at obtaining PPS samples with different amounts RAF, determining conditions potentially favoring crosslinking. results obtained matrix alone encouraged to transpose mechanisms associated polymer phase C/PPS composites woven-fibers reinforcement. laminates have [(+/-45°)]7 stacking sequence, whose overall response is controlled matrix. ultimate axial strength little influenced (about 10% increase) annealing respect as-received state. optimum (230 °C under air for 576 h) contribute improvement stiffness (doubled compared state). At same time, critical translaminar toughness (at initiation) significantly increased 20%) failure slower crack propagation.