The effect of surface treatment on delamination for a nylon interleaving material

One method of controlling delamination and increasing the inter-lamina toughness in composite laminates is the use of thermoplastic interleaving films, primarily to absorb energy. In this study the effect of controlling the surface energy of a nylon interleaving film on the interlaminar fracture toughness was investigated. It was found that as the surface energy of the nylon increased so did the Mode I delamination resistance. Surface energy was measured via dynamic contact angle measurements and delamination resistance via double cantilever beam specimens. It was concluded that control of the surface energy of the interleaving material is paramount in controlling delamination. © Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia Ltd