Dynamic mechanical behavior and failure mechanism of polymer composites embedded with tetraneedle-shaped ZnO whiskers

Quasi-static and dynamic mechanical properties of glass-fiber reinforced polymer composites embedded with and without tetraneedle-shaped ZnO whiskers (T-ZnOw) in two loading directions are investigated by a split Hopkinson pressure bar. The stress-strain curves, ultimate strength, failure strain and elastic modulus are obtained and the failure mechanism of the composites is investigated by a high-speed camera and a scanning electron microscope. Strain rate effects on the mechanical behavior are discussed and the corresponding models are derived by fitting the experimental data. The experimental results show that the composites with T-ZnOw under dynamic loading have multiple failure modes and better mechanical properties. Finally, the strengthening and toughening mechanisms of T-ZnOw are analyzed. It is shown that T-ZnOw can improve mechanical properties of the composites, and can make the composites have some new features. The present results provide a reliable basis for advanced composite design and manufacture, and have broad applications in the field of aerospace.