This paper investigates whether the toughening mechanisms of a biological crossedlamellar microstructure can be reproduced in a synthetic high-performance carbon fibre/epoxy matrix composite. The mechanics of the failure process in synthetic crossedlamellar microstructures was investigated using the Finite Element Method. This enabled the design of a high-performance carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) with such microstructure. Two different procedures were then developed to synthesise the first crossed-lamellar microstructures in CFRP in the literature. Test specimens were subsequently manufactured. Three-point bend tests were carried out in an SEM environment, showcasing the damage diffusion capability of the microstructure under stable conditions. The results show that the crossed-lamellar microstructure can be synthesised in CFRP with good accuracy, and that the mechanical toughening mechanisms associated with the natural crossed-lamellar microstructures can be reproduced in this synthetic material.

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