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Interlaminar fracture failure is the dominant factor restricting the development and application of fiber metal laminates (FMLs). In the current work, the primary purpose is an assessment of the effect of the hybrid combination of graphenes (GNPs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the interlaminar performance of FMLs. The effect of different ratios (GNPs: MWCNTs = 1:1, 3:7, 7:3) of hybrid carbon nano‐fillers on the mode I and mode II interlaminar fracture strain energy release rates (GΙC and GΙΙC) of FMLs containing GNPs and MWCNTs hybrid modified epoxy matrices are studied via double cantilever beam and end notched flexure tests. Results indicate that different ratios of GNPs and MWCNTs have different effects on the mode I and mode II interlaminar fracture performance of the samples. Compared with that of the baseline material, the GΙC of hybrid modified FMLs with GNPs: MWCNTs = 7:3 is increased by 344%. By contrast, the GΙΙC of hybrid modified FMLs with GNPs: MWCNTs = 3:7 is increased by 82.9% relative to the baseline value. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surface reveals the synergistic toughening mechanism of the two hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene platelets (electrically conductive 2D filler) and rubber nanoparticles (0D soft filler) can work together to develop electrically conductive and toughened epoxy composite adhesives. In this study, complementing effect between graphene platelets (GnPs) and rubber nanoparticles (RnPs) within an epoxy matrix is reported. In the 3‐phase composite adhesive, the 2D graphene platelets form global conductive network and rubber nanoparticles provide a viscoelastic phase inside the epoxy, both complementing each other to develop electrically conductive and toughened epoxy composite adhesives. Fracture toughness (K1c) and critical strain energy release rate (G1c) of the epoxy were augmented by 422% and 872%, respectively by adding 1 wt% RnPs and it recorded electrical percolation threshold at 0.78 vol% GnP. Also, the Young's modulus and strength of epoxy/1 wt% RnP composite were promoted from 1.57 to 2.32 GPa when 1 wt% GnP is added. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was conducted to investigate the toughening mechanism of epoxy/RnP/GnP and epoxy/GnP composites. Lap shear strength tests on epoxy composite adhesives confirm the reinforcement effect of GnPs and toughness effect of RnPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]