This paper proposes a novel technique for improving the low-velocity impact response of woven composites, which involves synthesizing ZnO nanowires on dry woven carbon fabric layers. ZnO nanowire reinforcements were added to the interlaminar regions that are most susceptible to damage within layered composites, which were determined using finite element method analysis. Upon fabricating the laminates with and without ZnO nanowire interlaminar reinforcements, low-velocity impact responses were investigated next and the degree of damage was experimentally determined. The physical tests reveal that the samples with ZnO nanowires experience a lower degree of damage, up to a maximum of 25% for different impact energies, in comparison to the samples without ZnO nanowires. Therefore, the study presented in this paper shows the potential of using ZnO nanowires as interlaminar reinforcements for woven composites to improve their impact damage resistance.

A novel technique to improve the Mode I and Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of woven carbon-fiber polymer matrix composite face sheets using zinc oxide nanowires is proposed. Zinc oxide nanowires are directionally synthesized on dry carbon fabrics that are used to manufacture the laminate. The influence of zinc oxide nanowires on interlaminar fracture toughness is compared against regular interfaces using double cantilever beam and end-notched flexure tests to provide fracture toughness values. A significant improvement in the Mode I and Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness values is observed with zinc oxide nanowires. Therefore, zinc oxide nanowire interlaminar reinforcement has been proven to enhance the interlaminar fracture toughness of textile composites.

This study evaluates the impact response and damage tolerance of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites with varying Aramid pulp reinforcement ratios subjected to low-velocity impact (LVI) at an energy level of 5 J. Pristine (unreinforced) and reinforced samples with 1X, 2X, and 4X Aramid pulp ratios were analyzed through drop-weight impact tests, flexural tests, and micro-CT scans. Results indicate that increasing reinforcement enhances energy absorption and maximum displacement but decreases peak force due to improved load distribution via delamination and matrix cracking. While 4X reinforced samples exhibit the highest energy absorption, they also show the most significant internal damage, including extensive delamination, void formation, and intralaminar failure. Flexural behavior reveals a decreased in stiffness and strength with higher reinforcement levels, which is attributed to weak fiber-matrix adhesion and resin-rich zones. Optimal reinforcement was observed at 2X, where flexural strain peaked due to effective crack bridging. Excessive reinforcement led to agglomeration effects, exacerbating void formation and structural weakening. The findings underscore the importance of optimizing reinforcement ratios and ensuring uniform dispersion to balance between energy dissipation and mechanical performance in CFRP laminates.