Interlaminar shear strength study of Mg and carbon fiber-based hybrid laminates with self-healing microcapsules

The present paper regards the shear strengthening of fiber metal laminates (FMLs) composed by surface treated magnesium and carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CFRP) laminates. The effect of an intermediate layer consisting of isocyanate microcapsules (MCs), placed between the Mg and the CFRP layers, on the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the composite is investigated, as well as the effect of the carbon fibers orientation in the laminate. Configurations involving fiber orientation at 0 and the presence of MCs at 1-1.5 wt% are shown to lead to the highest ILSS values and to less damage in the FML structure upon the ILSS testing. Interlocking and self-healing effects, derived from the presence of MCs, are at the origin of the shear strengthening phenomenon that occurs on those FMLs.

Automated summary

The study investigates the shear strengthening of fiber metal laminates with surface treated magnesium and carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CFRP) laminates. It finds that configurations involving specific fiber orientation and MCs content result in the highest interlaminar shear strength and reduced damage in the FML structure. The presence of MCs creates interlocking and self-healing effects that contribute to the shear strengthening phenomenon observed in these FMLs.