Polysulfone nanofiber-modified composite laminates

Investigation of mode-I fatigue behavior and damage mechanisms

Journal article (2023)

Authors

R. Mohammadi Materials and Environment - CEG
R. Akrami University of Strathclyde
Maher Assaad Ajman University
Mohamed Nasor Ajman University
Ahmed Imran Ajman University
M. Fotouhi Materials and Environment - CEG
Research Group
Materials and Environment (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2023 R. Mohammadi, R. Akrami, Maher Assaad, Mohamed Nasor, Ahmed Imran, M. Fotouhi
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tafmec.2023.104078
More Info
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Published Date

2023

Language

English

Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Materials- Mechanics- Management & Design

Research Group

Materials and Environment

Abstract

In this study, the fatigue properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminates were investigated, specifically focusing on the incorporation of 100-µm polysulfone (PSU) nanofibers as an interleaving material. The PSU nanofibers were produced using the electrospinning technique. Both quasi-static and fatigue tests were conducted on both the reference specimens and the modified specimens to evaluate their mode-I performance. The results revealed an 85% increase in fracture toughness (GIC) under quasi-static testing. The fatigue plots revealed a noteworthy reduction in the fatigue crack growth rate (da/dN) for the modified specimens due to new toughening mechanisms. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that, the PSU nanofiber became melted and distributed in the interface, leading to phase separation and a sea-island structure. The presence of PSU microspheres caused crack deflection during delamination, which resulted in increased fracture and fatigue resistance.