Effect of different tab materials in the tensile testing of GFRP

Glass fiber reinforced polymer composites (GFRP) are widely replacing conventional materials due to their improved machinability and high strength to weight ratio. Content and tensile tests are two of the basic approaches used in characterizing GFRP. The content test was performed to determine the reinforcement, matrix, and void content. The void content of 1.8 percent causes moisture absorption leading to fiber pull out and breakage. The failure of the specimens after the tensile test was primarily associated with interfacial debonding. Different tab materials and adhesives were considered for performing the tensile test. Stainless steel and galvanized iron tabs showed considerable slippage during the transverse tensile test. However, the slippage rate was remarkably lower when tabs of the same specimen material and similar thickness were used. The effect of tab geometry and adhesive strength was found to be less significant compared to tab material and adhesive thickness. Stiffness in the longitudinal direction was found to be six times higher than in the transverse direction.