Interleaving CFRP and GFRP with a Thermoplastic Ionomer: The Effect on Bending Properties

Carbon and glass fiber reinforced polymers are employed in a variety of structural applications that require high stiffness and lightweight composites. However, poor through thickness properties make these laminates susceptible to delamination, usually caused by low energy impact. Interleaving these composites with a thermoplastic material has the potential to reduce the risk of delamination. Here we prepared preforms of dry textiles with a thin ionomeric layer melted on the mid plane, followed by resin infusion. Interleaved GFRP had its flexural toughness improved in 95.5% and its charpy impact strength increased in 23%. On the other hand, CFRP presented a reduction in 10% on flexural toughness and no improving in impact strength due to poor adhesion between CF and the ionomer, as confirmed by SEM images. Nonetheless, both interleaved systems showed an increase in damping observed by a reduction of 30% on Tan delta peak in DMA tests.

Automated summary

Interleaving thermoplastic material in carbon and glass fiber reinforced polymers can improve the toughness and strength of the laminates. While both systems show an increase in damping, the effect on flexural toughness is more significant in glass fiber reinforced polymers compared to carbon fiber reinforced polymers.