Impact behavior of a fully thermoplastic composite

This paper presents the results of an experimental campaign made on a fully thermoplastic composite, where both the reinforcement and the matrix are made in polypropylene. The target is to analyze its behavior under different impact loading conditions using a drop weight testing machine. The influence of the impact mass and of the velocity on the energy absorption capability of the material have been analyzed and discussed. During the tests, the material showed a ductile behavior and developed extended plasticity without a crack tip. The main observed damage mechanisms were the yarn sliding.