Interlaminar strengthening of multidirectional laminates using polymer additive manufacturing. (5th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Islam, M.S.; Prabhakar, P.
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 133(2017)
• Page Start: 332
• Page End: 339
• Publication Date: 2017-11-05
• Subjects: Polymer additive manufacturing -- Multi-directional Laminates -- Interlaminar Shear Strength -- Delamination -- Finite element analysis; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2017.07.038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: A novel approach for improving the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) properties of multi-directional prepreg laminates using polymer additive manufacturing (PAM) technology is proposed in this paper. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is the PAM technology used for imparting patterns onto carbon prepregs. These modified prepregs are further used for fabricating multi-directional laminates. Prior to manufacturing the laminates, interlaminar regions that are most susceptible to delamination type failure are identified using numerical simulations for selectively reinforcing these critical regions. Next, the influence of printed reinforcements on the ILSS of modified laminates is compared against pristine laminates by conducting short beam shear (SBS) tests. Significant improvement in the ILSS values of up to 28% is observed, which can be attributed to the resistance offered by the printed reinforcements that steered the delamination surfaces along undulated paths as opposed to smooth or straight paths in pristine laminates. Such behavior corroborates the resistance to delamination offered by these printed reinforcements. In summary, this is a pioneering study for exploring the feasibility of using PAM technology for imparting reinforcements at the interlaminar regions in multi-directional laminates with the intention of minimizing delamination. Graphical Abstract: Highlights: Method to enhance interlaminar properties of multi-directional laminates using polymer additive manufacturing technology. Pioneered the printing of patterns onto prepregs at the Interlaminar regions for minimizing delamination type failure. Interlaminar shear strengths of laminates with different prepreg stacking investigated, which increased by up to 28%. Increase in strength attributed to the resistance offered by the printed reinforcements that caused undulated crack path.