The effect of prepreg ply thickness in carbon fiber reinforced composites on intralaminar toughness and shear strength in cryogenic environments for liquid hydrogen storage tanks

Titelangaben

Szpoganicz, Eduardo ; Hübner, Fabian ; Beier, Uwe ; Geistbeck, Matthias ; Ruckdäschel, Holger:
The effect of prepreg ply thickness in carbon fiber reinforced composites on intralaminar toughness and shear strength in cryogenic environments for liquid hydrogen storage tanks.
In: Composites Part B: Engineering. Bd. 292 (2025) . - 112077.
ISSN 1879-1069
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.112077

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Abstract

This study investigates the effect of prepreg ply thickness on the intralaminar toughness and shear strength of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) in room temperature and cryogenic environments. A toughened epoxy resin, optimized for ultra-low temperatures, was impregnated with unidirectional carbon-fibers at 45, 70, and 140 g/m² areal weights. The intralaminar energy release rates in modes I and II, along with the interlaminar shear strength, were evaluated under liquid nitrogen (in-situ) testing conditions to assess the performance of these composites in cryogenics. Optical and scanning electron microscopy correlated fiber-matrix distribution and regularity with failure modes and performance. While GIC decreased from 296 K to 77 K, ILSS was notably higher in cryogenic environments. Both intralaminar toughness and interlaminar strength were improved by thinner plies, especially at 77 K. Thus, highlighting the importance of fiber-matrix uniformity in optimizing delamination and shear properties under cryogenic conditions, where sensitivity to irregularities increases.