Application of a gripping system to test a uniaxial graphite fiber‐reinforced composite (PMR 15/celion 6000) in tension at 316°C

Abstract A gripping system has been developed to test uniaxial, 0° orientation PMR 15/Celion 6000 composites at elevated temperatures. The method involves compression of grit‐blasted laminate between grit‐blasted metal to give a non‐slipping interface for load transfer. Tensile testing at both 316°C and room temperature indicated that deformation was elastic to fracture and that the variation in tensile properties for one laminate is the same as that for several panels. In addition, the tensile properties for uniaxial PMR 15/Celion 6000 are identical at 316°C and room temperature. For nominally 51 volume percent fiber, the elastic modulus is 119.6 GPa, the fracture stress is 1370 MPa, and the strain to fracture is about 1.15 percent. In addition, data are presented which indicate that the gripping system can be used for long term, elevated temperature testing of composite materials.