Extreme temperature influence on low velocity impact damage and residual flexural properties of CFRP

Abstract

In this work, the behavior of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) interleaved with electrospun veils under low velocity impact (LVI) conditions and extreme environmental temperatures was investigated. 2/2 twill carbon fiber/epoxy laminates were subjected to LVI at three energy levels (10, 20, and 30 J), and three temperatures (−50°C, room temperature, and 100°C). Two interleaved configurations were explored (six veils placed symmetrically with respect to the middle plane of the laminate and with respect to the external layers of the laminate). Particularly at room temperature and up to 20 J, nanofibrous interlayers effectively reduced localized deformation (by about 13.0%) and delamination (by about 12.2%) when positioned in the outer ply interleaved configuration compared to the reference laminate. At 100°C, this effect is maintained at 10 J, preventing an increase in the delaminated area. At −50°C and 10 J, the promotion of delamination prevented back surface fiber failure. Regarding post‐impact flexural properties, the presence of nanoveils ensured superior mechanical properties compared to the corresponding reference laminate impacted at the same conditions, demonstrating their efficacy in enhancing the damage tolerance of the overall laminate.Highlights Electrospun veils were interleaved in 20 layers of 2/2 twill carbon/epoxy laminate. Three configurations were tested under LVI at 10 J, 20 J, 30 J, and −50°C, RT, and 100°C. Observed damage modes include delamination, indentation, and back surface fiber cracks. Veils symmetrically placed in external layers limit delamination at 20 J (RT) and 10 J (100°C). Electrospun veils enhanced CFRP bending and residual post‐impact properties at RT and 100°C.