Tensile Properties of a Novel Graphene Pattern Stitched Carbon/Epoxy 3D Composite

The focus of this study is on the tensile properties of a novel graphene pattern stitched carbon/epoxy 3D composite which could be considered in aerospace industry applications. Tensile modulus and strength are reduced by18-25% due to filament breakage during stitching; this reduction varies with stitching density. Fabrication induced voids and resin rich regions also contribute. However, extensive delamination observed in the tension loaded unstitched laminate is constrained by the graphene pattern stitching and the proposed 3D reinforced composite is expected to be more damage resistant under lateral impact loading.