Interleaving in Composites for High-Performance Structural Applications

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites find extensive applications ranging from sporting goods to aircraft components. Nonetheless, the weak interlaminar properties of laminated composites impose challenges in the design of primary load-bearing structures. The incorporation of additives (e.g., particles, films, and fibers) can overcome these limitations, offering additional functionalities to composites. Interleaving in composites generally refers to the incorporation of materials at the interface between two fiber plies so as to improve various properties. Being a simple technique to integrate in the production line, interleaving is recognized as an industrially significant and commercially viable method of modifying laminated composites. In this Review, an effort to assess state-of-the-art research on interleaving is attempted. Methods, applications, and the influence of interleaves on various properties of composites are also discussed. Data from the most recent research works on interleaved composites are compiled in an attempt to aid and encourage further developments among industries and academia.

Improved Interlaminar Properties of Glass Fiber/Epoxy Laminates by the Synergic Modification of Soft and Rigid Particles

“…Bisphenol A type (DGEBA) epoxy resin (CYD-128, epoxy value 0.51, density 1.22 g/cm 3 , purity > 95%), purchased from Guangzhou Nasun Chemical Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China. Methyl-tetrahydro phthalic anhydride (MTHPA, purity > 98%), purchased from Kunshan Lvdun Chemical Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China.…”

“…Thus, they are widely used in construction, electrical engineering, rail transit, and other fields [1,2]. However, the in-plane orientation of glass fibers makes the interlayer properties of GF/EP composites much lower than the in-plane properties [3,4]. Meanwhile, the difference in thermal expansion coefficient and Poisson's ratio between the layers leads to intense stress concentration at the mechanical joints inside the composites.…”

Improved Interlaminar Properties of Glass Fiber/Epoxy Laminates by the Synergic Modification of Soft and Rigid Particles

“…Bisphenol A type (DGEBA) epoxy resin (CYD-128, epoxy value 0.51, density 1.22 g/cm 3 , purity > 95%), purchased from Guangzhou Nasun Chemical Co., LTD. Methyl-tetrahydro phthalic anhydride (MTHPA, purity > 98%), purchased from Kunshan Lvdun Chemical Co., LTD. N, Ndimethylbenzylamine (purity > 98%) purchased from Shanghai Sinopsin Group Chemical Reagent Co., LTD. CTBN (industrial grade) was purchased from Yuexin Chemical Plastics firm. Nano SiO2(100nm, purity > 98%) purchased from Boas Nanotechnology (Ningbo) Co., LTD.…”

“…So, they are widely used in construction, electrical engineering, rail transit, and other fields [1,2] . However, the in-plane orientation of glass fibers makes the interlayer properties of GF/EP composites much lower than the in-plane properties [3,4] . Meanwhile, the difference in thermal expansion coefficient and Poisson's ratio between the layers leads to intense stress concentration at the mechanical joints inside the composites.…”

The effect of resin properties on toughness translation in interleaved composites

“…[1][2][3] Interlaminar toughening offers a promising solution to these limitations, enabling the broader utilization of composites in high-end applications. [4][5][6] Currently, three major approaches to interlaminar toughening exist: through-thickness reinforcement (z-pinning), matrix toughening, and interlayer toughening (interleaving). 1 Each technique provides a distinct level of toughness improvement, but also comes with specific drawbacks that require careful consideration, namely, possible disturbance of fiber architecture, reduction of fiber volume fraction, and loss of mechanical properties.…”