On the effect of binders on interlaminar fracture energies and R-curves of carbon/epoxy laminates with non-woven micro-fibre veils

The effect of short micro-fibre-based veils on the mode-I and mode-II interlaminar fracture energies and R-curves of composite laminates is investigated in this study-with an emphasis on the role of veil binders. Non-woven polyphenylene sulfide veils with 10 g/m2 areal weight and two different binders (i.e. cross-linked styrene -acrylic and cross-linked polyester), and non-woven carbon veils with 10 g/m2 areal weight and four different binders (i.e. cross-linked styrene-acrylic, cross-linked polyester, polyester and polyvinyl alcohol) are used for interleaving composite laminates. Carbon/epoxy laminates are manufactured by vacuum-assisted resin infusion with out-of-autoclave curing. The mode-I and mode-II fracture behaviour of the laminates are investigated. The results show that the binders used in the manufacturing of veils can considerably affect the fracture energy, crack path and R-curve behaviour, and that the effect of binders is more pronounced in the laminates with carbon veils than in the laminates with PPS veils.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effect of short micro-fibre-based veils on the fracture energies and R-curves of composite laminates, with a focus on the role of veil binders. The results show that the binders used in the manufacturing of veils have a considerable impact on fracture energy, crack path, and R-curve behavior, with a more pronounced effect in the laminates with carbon veils.