CFRP laminates under low-velocity impact conditions: Influence of matrix and temperature

n this work, carbon fiber‐reinforced composites (CFRP), respectively, based on a vynilester and epoxy resin were loaded under low‐velocity impact condition to highlight the influences of different matrices and temperature on their dynamic response. In particular, measurements were performed at room and the low temperature of −25°C on samples simply supported by air to exactly simulate the incidental impact during the structure service and having the same thickness. Impact tests were carried out at penetration to obtain the complete load–displacement curve and to measure the penetration energy, and at different energy levels, 5, 10, and 20 J, to investigate the influence of the matrix on the damage start and propagation. After the impact tests, the specimens were nondestructively investigated by the ultrasound technique to measure the delamination. The interesting results obtained on carbon fiber laminates impacted at room and lower temperature are here reported and compared. In general, better behavior was noted for vinyl ester‐based composites, extensively used in the naval field, thanks to their low absorption for humidity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers