The tensile and flexural properties of textile composites

The mechanical properties of thermoset (glass-fibre-reinforced epoxy, polyester, and vinylester) and thermoplastic (glass-fibre-reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate)) composite laminates manufactured from novel textile fabrics are investigated. The tensile and flexural properties of warp-knitted and woven composites were determined for glass-fibre-reinforced epoxy, polyester, and vinylester. The tensile strength and modulus were slightly lower than expected, mainly owing to fibre misalignment. The flexural failures of the thermoplastic laminates initiated on the compression face, and they were stable and gradual, i.e. a large amount of energy absorption was possible. Thermoplastic and thermoset box-beards were manufactured by using compression moulding and resin-transfer moulding, respectively. Woven and warp-knitted fabrics, together with braiding, were used for the preforming. The load-bearing capabilities of the beams were tested in three-point bending. Failures initiated at the compression side of the beams, more noticeably so for the thermoplastic beams. The experimental results are compared with those of a finite-element analysis, and the agreement is reasonably good.