Impact tolerance of thermoplastic and thermoset epoxy carbon textile composites

Recently, a thermoplastic epoxy resin (TP-EP) was developed with both advantages of thermoset and thermoplastic resins. The TP-EP has the good workability of TS and the formability and recyclability of TP. The present study aims to assess the impact tolerance of the TP-EP carbon textile composite (CFRTP) compared to the thermoset epoxy resin (TS-EP) counterpart. Drop weight impact test, with a hemispherical striker tip were performed for different molecular weight (Mw) of the TP-EP matrix. An impact energy of 30J was selected for comparison. The impact damage extension was visualized by a thermal-camera and by laser microscope measurements. The residual mechanical strength after impact was measured by compression tests. The highly polymerized CFRTP had higher maximum impact force, lower energy absorbed ratio, lower residual dent and smaller damaged surface, meaning a better impact tolerance.