Microscopical observations of interface cracks from inter-fibre failure under compression in composite laminates

Matrix/inter-fibre failure is characterized by the appearance at the fibre–matrix interfaces of small debonds that can progress along them until reaching a certain extension, then changing their orientation to kink towards the matrix and, finally, growing through it. The particular case of compressive loading is specially interesting, given the morphology of the interface cracks and the specific angle that the macro-cracks form in the matrix.