The specimens were cut with an abrasive water jet to dimensions recommended by ASTM standard D3039; a 127 mm gage length and 12.7 mm width. The laminate thickness was 1.0 mm. Tapered end tabs of glass-weave-reinforced epoxy were bonded to the laminates by an adhesive epoxy film cured at 125∘C for 2 h. Prior to bonding the end tabs, the specimen and tab surfaces were roughened with sand paper and cleaned with ethanol to improve adhesion, and minimize the risk of tab failure during fatigue testing. The specimen edges were subsequently polished with successively finer silicon carbide papers ending with 2400 grit, giving the edges a glossy and scratch free appearance.