Interlaminar Strength Properties of Multi-Layer 3D Fabric Composites

Abstract

The composite materials were made from multi-layer fabrics which were woven with pitch-based carbon fiber rovings and epoxy resin matrix. The relationship between the structure of multi-layer fabrics and interlaminar strength properties of the composites was investigated by executing compression after impact (CAI) test, and compared with those of laminated fabric composites. The results are summarized as follows; From the impact test, it was found that the multi-layer fabrics composites had higher rigidity than that of laminated ones. It was clearly shown from damage area of the composites that the multi-layer fabric composites were the materials with higher resistance to delamination than laminated ones. The proportion of the damage area of multi-layer fabric composites to that of laminated ones was 0.6 to 1. Consequently, CAI strength of the multi-layer fabric composites was about 20% higher than that of laminated ones.