Temperature dependency of the toughening capability of electrospun PA66 nanofibers for carbon/epoxy laminates

The present study evaluates the toughening capability of electrospun PA66 nanofibers for carbon/epoxy composite laminates subjected to mode II loading conditions at elevated temperatures. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) test showed that glass transition temperature produced is in a range ∼60–80 °C. Accordingly, End-Notched Flexure (ENF) specimens interleaved by 50 μm-layer were quasi-static room (∼25 °C), 100 °C, 125 and 160 At temperature, interlaminar fracture toughness (GIIC) nano-modified specimen was ∼4 times higher than virgin (non-modified) (3.12 kJ/m2 vs 0.81 kJ/m2). results GIIC independent temperature. However, case specimen, although did not change from °C 3.09 kJ/m2), further increasing dropped 34% 43% respectively (2.05 1.77 respectively). 3D surface scans Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images revealed three reasons decreasing high temperatures: a) crack crosses nano-layer less temperatures, b) dominant damage mechanism low “cohesive failure”, propagation within nanolayer, while temperatures “adhesive debonding nanolayer carbon fibers, plays critical role fracture, c) severe plastic deformation