Research on the mechanical properties of laser-induced graphene interlayer reinforced CF/PEEK composite components

Abstract

The interlaminar cracks in carbon fibre composites formed by laser in-situ forming are prone to development and expansion in the interlayer of the resin zone when subjected to shear forces, and lead to delamination failure ultimately. To enhance the mechanical properties of CF/PEEK composite components, a 1064 nm pulsed laser scanning method was employed to construct laser-induced graphene (LIG) on the surface of CF/PEEK prepreg in this paper. The CF/PEEK prepreg with LIG constructed on its surface was then formed and prepared into CF/PEEK composite laminates through continuous laser-assisted heating. The effects of typical process parameters, including scanning spot spacing, heating temperature and placement pressure, on the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and porosity of CF/PEEK composite laminates were investigated. The research results indicate that, compared to the laser in-situ formed CF/PEEK laminates without LIG interlayer reinforcement, the porosity of the laser in-situ formed CF/PEEK laminates with LIG interlayer reinforcement increased from 2.81% to 3.03%. However, the ILSS of the laminates increased from 54.4 to 62.7 MPa, representing a maximum improvement of 15%. By constructing LIG on the surface of CF/PEEK prepreg, the ILSS of CF/PEEK composite components was significantly improved. The research results lay a technological foundation for the preparation of CF/PEEK composite components with high mechanical properties.