• Composites Research
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.43-48
• /
• 2009

For the practical use of improved interlaminar fracture toughness by interleaving carbon non-woven tissue (CNWT), intelaminar fracture toughnesses of CFRP laminates with CNWT having different weights were experimentally investigated. A suitable weight of interleaved CNWT in CFRP laminates was discussed with Mode I and Mode II tests. Mode I and Mode II interlaminar fracture toughnesses (GIC and GIIC) were obtained by DCB and ENF tests. Six kinds of specimens with CNWT were prepared. The weights of CNWT per square meter for six types of specimens are $8g/m^2,\;10g/m^2,\;12g/m^2,\;16g/m^2,\;20g/m^2$, and $24g/m^2$, respectively. The mean GIC and GIIC values of six kinds of specimens were not substantially different from one another. Compared with the CFRP specimen, the mean GIC values of six kinds of specimens were slightly decreased. But the mean GIIC values increased tremendously at least twice by interleaving CNWT. It seems that there is no interrelationship between the interlaminar fracture toughnesses (GIC and GIIC) and the interleaving CNWT weights. Consequently, it would be desirable to use the CNWT of $8g/m^2$ among the six kinds of CNWTs to take advantage of the interlaminar fracture toughness improved by interleaving CNWT, because the CNWT of $8g/m^2$ is a lightweight and low-priced material.