Interfacial phenomena in the fracture resistance of interfaces
In composite systems, the mechanical response of interfaces to the approach of cracks that initially form either in the matrix or in the fiber dominates the mechanical performance. In particular, in brittle matrix composites, the interface must have a sufficiently low fracture resistance compared with that of both the fiber and matrix that the crack diverts into the interface and debonds the fiber, Thereafter, the debonded fiber must be able to slide against the matrix with a low friction stress in order to inhibit fiber failure and thus enhance pull-out. These processes are schematically illustrated in Fig. 1. Mechanics investigations have established requirements concerning debonding and sliding that must be satisfied in order to achieve good composite properties. At the simplest level, these studies reveal that the fracture energy of the interface should be less than about one-third that of either the fiber or the matrix.