Flexural and impact performance of Kevlar/basalt fabric interlayer hybrid curved composites

Abstract

FRP composite has become one of the most preferred materials in lightweight applications. Design freedom is a key benefit which is reflected in the choice of fibres, stacking sequence and others. Hybridisation of hard inorganic fibre and organic ductile fibres can lead to synergetic effects. In this paper, an interlayer hybrid curved laminated composite reinforced with woven Kevlar and basalt fabrics and manufactured by a hand lay-up process with epoxy resin was prepared. Experimental investigation on the flexural and impact properties of composite laminates has been performed. The results of the investigation showed that the placement of Kevlar fibres on the impact side can increase the impact and flexural strengths, sample H3 (K3B2K3B2) has the highest impact strength and absorbed energy among seven hybrid laminates, valued at 92.89 KJ/m2 and 2.48 KJ. Compared with H5(B4K6) improved 41.6% and 40.9%, respectively. However, H5 has the highest flexural strength, reaching 231.7 MPa. In addition, the use of basalt fabric on the impact reverse side or multi-layer hybrid structuring further improves the impact properties of the materials. A sandwich-structure composite with basalt layers in the middle and Kevlar layers on both sides shows further improvement in the flexural properties.