Here is the site all you destructive folk have been looking for.  There are several physical tests used to analyze the mechanical properties of composites and many of them tear apart the material.  Mechanical characterization has specific types and application and are as such:

1.  Characterization of constituent materials (matrix, fiber, and interphase) for use in micromechanical analysis.  With the
     knowledge of these individual properties, one can predict the properties of the laminate or bulk material.

2. Verification of micromechanical analyses, especially in the case of nonlinear, inelastic behavior, failure mechanisms, and
    damage development.

3.  Experimental stress analysis by measuring strain distributions and using appropriate constitutive relations.

4.  Fracture characterization, including identification of failure mechanisms and modes, initiation, and propagation.

5.  Testing under special conditions of loading; for example interlaminar fracture toughness, fatigue, impact, creep, multiaxial,
     and high rate testing.

Some of the more common physical tests for polymers and composites are listed in the table below.
 

Mechanical Properties	Mechanical Tests
Crosslink Density	Chemical Resistance

Back to Characterization Mainpage

Back to IPN's

Back to Nanocomposites

Back to Interphases and Matrices

Please evaluate what you learned on the site by taking this EDUCATIONAL physical testing quiz.