Fabrication and Experimental Estimation of Mechanical Properties of Kevlar-Glass/Epoxy Interwoven Composite Laminate

Abstract

Hybrid composites made of natural and synthetic fibers are stronger, lighter, cheaper, biodegradable, and greener than conventional metals, and they are replacing conventional metals. The primary objective of the study was to examine the mechanical properties of interwoven hybrid composite laminates. Kevlar and glass fiber are used as reinforcement for this work. The fibers are woven together using various weaving techniques. 1 × 1, 3 × 3, and 5 × 5 weaving patterns are considered to explore the properties of the laminates. The composites are woven using a conventional handloom method. As a matrix, LY556 resin and HY951 hardener are combined at a ratio of 10 : 1. The composites are cured using compression molding. The cured composites are assessed for their tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength, interlaminar shear strength, impact strength, and fracture toughness. The highest tensile, compressive, and flexural strength were found in the 1 × 1 pattern, shear strength and fracture toughness were found in the 5 × 5 pattern, which finds applications in aerospace and defense sectors, and 3 × 3 dominated in impact strength; as a result, it can be used in bulletproof applications. At last, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to visualize the matrix-reinforcement bonding. The microscopic images show the ripped-out fibers because of the tensile test. The shards in SEM are evident that impact force breaks the matrix elements in a brittle manner.