Realizing Damage-tolerant Nacre-inspired CFRP

Abstract

In this work, a nacre-inspired carbon/epoxy composite is designed, synthesised and tested. Analytical and numerical models are developed to design a tiled microstructure, 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. Three-point bend tests show how the nacre micro-structure succeeds in deflecting cracks, with damage diffusion being significantly improved by the addition of PLA at the interface between tiles.