Abstract

Fracture toughness is a critical property of composites, especially in the case of materials manufactured by liquid composite moulding processes because of the brittleness of the thermoset polymeric matrix. The use of thermoplastic interleaving veils can improve the fracture behaviour affecting only slightly other mechanical properties. Also, the veils can affect the manufacturability of the composites. This work presents a study of the influence of commercial and homemade veils on the manufacturability process and mechanical properties of carbon fibre reinforced composites. Results obtained show a significant improvement of fracture toughness without affecting manufactubarility.