Properties of basalt/aramid fiber reinforced hybrid composites compared to carbon fiber composites

Abstract

AbstractDue to environmental concerns and sustainability issues, researchers have focused on developing novel composite structures in different industries. In this study, aramid and basalt fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composites were designed and manufactured as an alternative material to carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The hybrid composites were manufactured with different fiber ratios and stacking sequences to examine the effect on mechanical characteristics. Tensile, impact, hardness, morphological analysis, water absorption, and loss on ignition tests were performed to determine the properties of composites. The test results showed that tensile strength of the hybrid samples was dependent on the ratio and the sequence of fibers, while CFRPs had the highest tensile strength among all samples. Impact test results revealed that B24A24 basalt/aramid fiber hybrid composites had higher energy absorption capability compared to CFRPs at all different fiber ratios. Water absorption test results increment that increasing basalt fiber ratio increased the water absorption capacity of the hybrid composites. In case of aramid fiber in the upper layer, a decrease in ignition loss and increase in hardness values were observed. Through scanning electron microscopy analysis, a weak fiber‐matrix bonding was observed in the structure of hybrid samples in contrast to CFRPs.