Effective interlaminar reinforcing and delamination monitoring of carbon fibrous composites using a novel nano-carbon woven grid

To date, it is still a challenge to simultaneously reinforce and well monitor the delamination of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) using nanocarbon-based interleaf due to the high electrical conductivity of CFRPs. Herein, this work prepares a novel woven grid composed of carbon nanotubes and graphenes (CG) with various grid densities and suitable resistivity. Results reveal that the CG woven grid-based interleaf could significantly reinforce the interlaminar shear properties of CFRPs, i.e. mode II interlaminar fracture toughness and interlaminar shear strength can be improved by 38-60% and 17-25%, respectively. Meanwhile, the relative resistance change (.R/R0%) of CFRPs at the delamination initiation stage can reach similar to 12% or more, which is greater than that reported by previous literatures. The results suggest that the prepared CG woven grid can not only greatly enhance the delamination resistance, but also can sensitively monitor the delamination of the highly conductive CFRPs.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that a woven grid composed of carbon nanotubes and graphenes can significantly enhance the interlaminar shear properties of carbon fiber reinforced plastics. It improves both mode II interlaminar fracture toughness and interlaminar shear strength, while also sensitively monitoring the delamination process in highly conductive CFRPs.