Irradiation Effects on Interlaminar Shear Strength of GFRP at Low Temperature

The degradation of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of GFRPs has been evaluated after 77K electron and 20K reactor irradiation. The GFRPs used in this work were prepared using several matrix resins. Optical microscopic observations of the fracture surfaces were carried out to determine the degradation behavior of ILSS. The fiber exposed area of fracture (interfacial failure) surface was found to be larger with higher absorbed dose. It suggested that the degradation of ILSS was induced by the interface failure between fiber and matrix. The matrix resin was also found to be degraded along with the interface.