Interlayer Strength of Fibrous Cellulose-Containing Composite Materials

Research results evaluating the interlayer strength of fibrous composite materials are presented. Laboratory samples of one-, two- and three-layered fibrous materials were analyzed using electron scanning microscopy to visualize differences among the microstructure of fibers at the boundary of and within layers. The obtained images explained the reason for the reduced strength between the fiber layers. The research also provided experimental data on the interlayer strength determined by the standard method. A relationship was established between the fraction of fibrous material with insignificant interfiber bonds and the interlayer strength of a multi-layered composite in general. Practical recommendations for increasing the interlayer strength of fibrous cellulose-containing composite materials were developed based on analytical and experimental data.