Damping properties of thermoplastic-elastomer interleaved carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites

The aim of this study is to characterize the damping properties of carbon fiber-reinforced interleaved epoxy composites. Several types of thermoplastic-elastomer films, such as polyurethane elastomers, polyethylene-based ionomers and polyamide elastomers were used as the interleaving materials. The damping properties of the composite laminates with/without the interleaf films were evaluated by the mechanical impedance method. Also, the effects of the lay-up arrangements of the carbon-fiber prepregs on the damping properties of the interleaved laminates were examined. The viscoelastic properties of interleaved polymer films were reflected in the damping properties of the corresponding interleaved laminates. The loss tangent of the interleaf films at the test temperature played an important roll in the loss factor of the interleaved laminates. Also, the stiffness of the films at the resonant frequency of the laminates was another important parameter that controlled the loss factor of the interleaved laminates. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.