Effects of stacking sequences of non-hydrophobic cellulose nanofiber dispersion layer on impact properties of carbon fiber/cellulose nanofiber reinforced epoxy composite

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are a plant-derived material with a high specific strength. The authors have developed a method to enhance the impact properties of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) by inserting a non-hydrophobic CNF dispersion layer between prepregs. In this study, the specimens with different stacking sequence of the prepreg and CNF dispersion layer were manufactured, and the instrumented Charpy test was carried out. Analyzing the impact waveform, when the CNF dispersion layer was inserted below the surface prepreg, the Charpy impact value was increased by up to 6% compared to the CFRP without the CNF dispersion layer.