Experimental analysis of prepreg tack

A probe tack test apparatus is designed to characterize the tack of carbon-epoxy prepreg. Tests are performed on both pure resin and prepreg. The maximum debonding force seems to be a relevant measure of tack. First, results show that the response of pure resin is similar to that of viscous silicon oil. Second, the shape of the response curve obtained for prepreg beyond the maximum value of the debonding force is mainly due to structural effects. Third, the influence of contact force, contact time, debonding rate, probe temperature and ageing conditions on the prepreg tack is investigated in relation with physical phenomena involved in the debonding phase