Charpy test investigation of the influence of fabric weave and fibre nature on impact properties of PEEK-reinforced composites

The aim of the work is to use Charpy impact test for quick evaluations of different Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK)-reinforced composites to be used for impact protection. In the first part, the influence of weave pattern was first analysed by comparing the impact behaviour of three PEEK composites reinforced with plies of unidirectional (UD) tapes, 5H satin fabrics and 2 x 2 twill fabrics made of high-strength carbon fibres. In the second part, the influence of fibre nature was investigated for the same weave pattern. The impact behaviour of five 2 x 2 twill fabrics made from inorganic fibre (carbon, glass and basalt) and organic fibre (aramid and poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO)) has been compared. Two main types of failure modes were identified: a brittle behaviour mode with high failure strength and a highly deformable behaviour mode in which energy absorption is more important. The balance between brittle behaviour and highly deformable behaviour results from competition between the yarn crimp, weave pattern and fibre properties of the composite. Slight yarn crimp and small ply thickness increase the stiffness of the composite and induce brittle behaviour characterized by fibre failure in tension and a steep peak on the loading curves. This behaviour is observed in UD and 5H satin carbon-reinforced composites or 2 x 2 twill glass and basalt fabric-reinforced composites. In contrast, aramid and PBO 2 x 2 twill fabric composites exhibit high shear strength. The highly deformable behaviour of the specimens during the Charpy impact led, in the case of organic fibres, to a non-breakage of the fibres and consequently to a high level of energy absorption. This behaviour is necessarily interesting in armour applications.