Delamination is the separation of layers in a composite material caused by weakened bonds, often due to adhesive breakdown. Composites are made up of multiple substances bonded together, with the goal of creating superior properties. Delamination occurs in all composites and is influenced by factors such as pressure, temperature, and moisture. The process is advanced before outward signs appear, and can be detected by a dull sound upon impact.
Delamination is what happens to a composite material when its layers begin to separate. While this term typically refers to layered composites, it is also used to refer to non-layered composites that break down into layers. Delamination is caused by a weakening of the bonds holding layers together, which often means that an adhesive begins to break down. Since this occurs within a material, the substance will not necessarily show any signs of wear, making its failure unexpected.
A composite material is any material that is made up of multiple substances. The constituent pieces are bonded together physically, chemically or by the use of adhesives. The goal of a composite is to make an object that has properties superior to those of any of the constituent materials.
In many cases, a composite substance forms in tight layers, such as plywood. In other cases, they are simply multiple elements that make up a larger whole, such as reinforced concrete. Regardless of the actual composite construction, all suffer from some form of delamination.
Composites are common in almost all parts of the world. Common composite building materials, such as the aforementioned plywood and concrete, form a huge part of modern building techniques. Different types of plastics have glass or carbon fiber implanted in them to give them greater rigidity. Items as disparate as fishing rods and body panels are made from various composite materials.
These substances are bound together in some way. Delamination begins when the bonds that hold them together begin to break. In some cases, this process begins almost immediately. For example, many adhesive-based materials begin to lose adhesion almost from the moment they are made.
Several factors increase the speed of delamination. Rapid increases or decreases in pressure and temperature will break down substances much faster. Adhesives are particularly sensitive to moisture and physically bonded composites are weak to impact.
These failures occur within the composite. The actual process varies based on how the composite is made, but in general the delamination process is very advanced when the substance shows outward signs. Chemical- and adhesive-based composites may be close to collapsing before they even show signs of wear.
In many cases, you can tell that delamination is occurring in a substance by the way it sounds when struck. Most composites will respond with a strong reverberant sound. A delaminating composite will sound dull upon impact, with a low, non-reverberant sound. This is a result of gaps occurring within the material.
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