CHARACTERIZATION OF A POLYMER-MATRIX COMPOSITE SUPPORT BEAM

This paper deals with the characterization of a polymer-matrix composite support beam designed for the automotive industry. The discussed composite polymer-matrix material was characterized using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Vickers hardness (HV) measurements and mechanical testing under tensile loads. Using these characterization methods the diameter, distribution and arrangement of the fibres in the composite material were determined. The type of fibres used in this composite material was also established from the chemical composition determined by EDS. The mechanical properties of the discussed composite material under a tensile load were determined on proportional, sub-sized, tensile specimens prepared from the support beam.