Effective interlaminar reinforcing and delamination monitoring of carbon fibrous composites using a novel nano-carbon woven grid

To date, it is still a challenge to simultaneously reinforce and well monitor the delamination of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) using nanocarbon-based interleaf due to the high electrical conductivity of CFRPs. Herein, this work prepares a novel woven grid composed of carbon nanotubes and graphenes (CG) with various grid densities and suitable resistivity. Results reveal that the CG woven grid-based interleaf could significantly reinforce the interlaminar shear properties of CFRPs, i.e. mode II interlaminar fracture toughness and interlaminar shear strength can be improved by 38–60% and 17–25%, respectively. Meanwhile, the relative resistance change (ΔR/R0%) of CFRPs at the delamination initiation stage can reach ~12% or more, which is greater than that reported by previous literatures. The results suggest that the prepared CG woven grid can not only greatly enhance the delamination resistance, but also can sensitively monitor the delamination of the highly conductive CFRPs. [Display omitted] •Prepared a novel Carbon nanotube/Graphene woven grid.•Improved mode II interlaminar fracture toughness by 38–60% and interlaminar shear strength by 17–25%.•High resistance variation response to delamination initiation (12% or more).