Determination of micro-hardness and elastic modulus in the transcrystalline zone of carbon fibre/PPS composites using a knife edge indentor

In this study, micro-hardness and elastic modulus in the transcrystalline region (TC) are determined in the directions perpendicular and parallel to the fibre axis using a knife edge indentor. Two different types of matrix surface morphology with transcrystalline zones were prepared, namely: (i) transcrystalline predominating and (ii) transcrystalline and higher spherulitic surface morphology in matrix. The results obtained in the perpendicular and parallel directions to the fibre axis are comparatively discussed.