2.4. Mechanical characterization
2.4.1. Uniaxial tensile test
Uniaxial tensile tests were carried out on an Instron model 5567
universal testing machine (Instron Corp., High Wycombe Bucks,
UK) according to the standard of ASTM D638. The crosshead speed
was 10 mm/min. A clip-on 25 mm extensometer was used to measure the tensile strain to give accurate measurement of the tensile
modulus. The mean and standard deviation of at least five tests
were reported.
2.4.2. Charpy impact test
Charpy impact tests were carried out by using a pendulum
impact tester (Ceast 6545, Akron, OH, USA) according to the standard of ASTM D256. For all the composites, a minimum of eight
specimens were tested to obtain statistically meaningful result.
2.4.3. Creep test
Creep tests were performed on an in-house creep tester under
the condition of room temperature and humidity. The temperature
range was 19–20 C, and the humidity was 30%. The creep strain
was measured by using a strain gauge. Before the test, the strain
gauge was glued onto the sample, and then the sample was
attached to the creep tester. Proper circuit was setup to record
the creep strain using a deformeter. To compensate for the thermal
effects of the strain,