Influence of Silane Coupling Agent on Interfacial Strength of SMA Composite
Shape memory alloy (SMA) can be embedded into a host material to achieve shape control, damage repair and self-adaption. It is well recognized that the applications of SMA composites are highly dependent on the integrity of SMA fiber-matrix interface. However, the interfacial debonding often occurs due to the weak bonding of interface between the SMA wire and its surrounding matrix. Therefore, it is necessary to improve interfacial strength of SMA composites. In present paper, the epoxy resin is functionalized by mixing different amount of silane coupling agent to improve the interfacial adhesion of SMA fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composite. The single fiber pull-out test is carried out to evaluate the interfacial strength and the test results indicate that the interfacial strength of SMA composite is improved significantly as compared to the results from unfunctionalized samples.