Gamma-ray irradiation effects on interlaminar tearing strength of epoxy-based FRP

The degradation of interlaminar tearing strength induced by γ-ray irradiation in epoxy-based FRP has been investigated. A remarkable decrease in the tearing strength of FRP was observed for higher doses (above 5 MGy). Observation of the fracture surface revealed that a local fracture propagated along the interface between resin and fiber in the lower dose region, and it took place through the resin in the higher dose region. The fracture through the resin it attributed to the degradation of the resin matrix which is typically revealed as voids in the fracture surface. (orig.)