Dataset on interlaminar fracture toughness of wing-feather-inspired fiber-reinforced composites

Mechanical test of Mode I and Mode II Interlaminar fracture toughness (IFT)The sample preparation and tests of GIC and GIIC were according to ASTM D5528-13 and HB7403-96. A standard double-cantilever beam (DCB) specimen with a size of 180 mm (length) × 25 mm (width) × 3 mm (thickness) was used to measure GIC. The pre-crack made by PVDF film was 50 mm in length. An end notch flexure (ENF) test specimen with 140 mm (length) × 25 mm (width) × 3 mm (thickness) was used to measure GIIC. The pre-crack made by PVDF film was 40 mm in length.For Mode I test, the sample was clamped on a universal testing machine and was loaded at a rate of 2 mm/min. Critical load (P), displacement of loading point (δ) and crack length (a) were recorded during the test. Then the load-displacement curve was plotted. The recorded data was used to calculate GIC. Similarly, for the Mode II test, three-point ENF tests were carried out. The loading rate was 2 mm/min. The load-displacement curve was plotted for further analysis. At least five specimens of each kind of CFRP composites were tested.