Tear Resistance of Orthogonal Kevlar-PWF-reinforced TPU Film

Abstract This work seeks to investigate the notch sensitivity and fracture behaviour of orthogonal Kevlar-plain woven fabric (PWF)- reinforced thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) film applied to high altitude balloon. Four types of specimens are implemented to measure notched strength and fracture toughness by conducting static tension and tear tests on an MTS system respectively. The damage and failure mechanisms are discussed and the results for notched strength and tear resistance are evaluated and compared with each other. From the experiments, it is found that the notch sensitivity of the film increases with the increase in the size of the hole, but the notch sensitivity and the stress concentration of the notch are insignificant and there is a decrease of only about 4%-10% in tensile strength for the notched specimens with different hole sizes in diameter compared with the unnotched specimen. In contrast, the tear resistance containing a central slit with only 1 mm length is about half of tensile strength of the unnotched film, which implies that the tear resistance exists an significant notch sensitivity. The results of this study provide an insight into notch sensitivity and fracture behaviour of the Kevlar-PWF-reinforced TPU film and constitute a fundamental basis for the design of high altitude balloon.