Fracture of laminated composites with interleaves

This work presents analysis and test results on toughening of laminated composites accomplished through the concept of interleaving which consists of adding a thin layer of polymeric film ''interleaf'' between the composite plies. Possible mechanisms responsible for the elevation of the delamination fracture toughness such as crack tip shielding and plastic dissipation are suggested and discussed in reference to experimental data on graphite/epoxy specimens interleaved with thermoplastic and thermoset polymer films.