Toughened CFRPs via PEO Nanofibers: Effect of Water Ageing on Delamination

Delamination is a common failure mechanism affecting composite laminates. Thermoplastic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) nanofibers are recently proposed for toughening carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), obtaining promising results. In the present work, PEO-modified epoxy CFRPs underwent ageing in water for 1 month, and the interlaminar properties are assessed via double cantilever beam (DCB) and end-notched flexure (ENF) tests. The Mode I delamination behavior of both PEO-modified and unmodified commercial composite plates is compared. Water ageing slightly affects the mechanical properties of the nano-modified laminates, though the interleaved nano-reinforcement is water-soluble. The achieved results are very encouraging and pave the way to the use of PEO nanofibrous mats for hindering delamination in composite laminates.