LAUSR

Abstract This study explores the influence of the chemical grafting of CNTs on the surface of carbon fibers (CFs) on the mechanical properties of Ti/CFRP laminates. After grafting CNTs onto oxidized CFs, Ti/CFRP laminates were prepared through vacuum-assisted resin-transfer molding (VARTM). Then, the bending performance, interlayer shear performance, static press-through, and impact resistance of the modified laminates were systematically studied. Compared with the original laminates, the bending strength and interlaminar shear strength were all remarkably improved. The static press-through tests showed a linear relationship between the energy absorption and laminate thickness, and the maximum failure load was slightly lower than that of the original specimen. The introduction of CNTs improved the deformation resistance of the laminate by increasing the critical fracture energy. Under a certain impact energy, the damaged area of the modified laminates decreased by a quarter without matrix or fiber delamination.