Enhancing the fracture toughness of laminated composites through carbon nanotube belt stitching

The relatively weak interlaminar performance is one of the key factors that limit the light reducing efficiency of utilizing advanced fiber reinforced composites. In this study, unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastics laminates were stitched by using ultra-thin continuous carbon nanotube (CNT) belts in the thickness direction, aiming to enhance their interlaminar properties. A series of mechanical tests, including double cantilever beam...