Epoxy resins are widely used as phase materials of matrix in fiber-reinforced composites. To overcome brittleness of cross-linked epoxy, thermoplastic modified epoxy has been extensively studied. However, specific toughening mechanism of thermoplastic...
Epoxy resins are widely used as phase materials of matrix in fiber-reinforced composites. To overcome brittleness of cross-linked epoxy, thermoplastic modified epoxy has been extensively studied. However, specific toughening mechanism of thermoplastic modified epoxy has not been established in molecular viewpoint. Allegedly, toughening mechanisms of particle debonding, plastic yielding of nanovoids, and localized shear banding are primary origin of fracture toughness enhancement. The purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution of each toughening mechanism. In this study, PES is used as a toughening agent for the cross-linked epoxy composed of TGAP and DDS. Cohesive interface is also considered as it can affect toughening mechanisms. As a result, methodology of construction of finite element PES/epoxy model with cohesive interface is proposed.