Realising damage-tolerant nacre-inspired CFRP. (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Narducci, F.; Lee, K.-Y.; Pinho, S.T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the mechanics and physics of solids. Volume 116(2018)
• Page Start: 391
• Page End: 402
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Microstructures -- Biological material -- Fibre-reinforced composite material -- Fractography -- Biomimetics; Mechanics, Applied -- Periodicals; Solids -- Periodicals; Mechanics -- Periodicals; Mécanique appliquée -- Périodiques; Solides -- Périodiques; Mechanics, Applied; Solids; Periodicals; 531.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2018.04.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-5096

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, a nacre-inspired Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composite is designed, synthesised and tested. Analytical and numerical models are used to design a tiled micro-structure, mimicking the staggered arrangement of ceramic platelets in nacre and exploiting geometrical interlocks for crack deflection and damage diffusion. The designed pattern of tiles is then laser-engraved in the laminate plies. In order to increase the damage-spreading capability of the material, a thin layer of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is film-cast on the interlaminar region, both as a continuous film and as a pattern of fractal-shaped patches. Three-point bending tests show how the nacre-like micro-structure succeeds in deflecting cracks, with damage diffusion being significantly improved by the addition of PLA at the interface between tiles. It is observed that a texture of discontinuous fractal-shaped PLA patches can increase damage diffusion, by promoting the unlocking of tiles whilst preserving the interface strength.