The use of nano and micron-sized particles to enhance the interlayer adhesion in self-reinforced, single-polymer composites

Recent work has shown that the interlayer adhesion of single polymer composites produced by the Leeds hot compaction process can be significantly improved by either introducing interleaved films of the same polymer between the layers of woven oriented tapes that make up the composite or by the incorporation of carbon nanofibres (CNF) into the oriented tapes prior to hot compaction, or by a combination of these two approaches to produce a synergistic effect.