Post‐curing and fiber hybridization effects on mode‐II interlaminar fracture toughness of glass/carbon/epoxy composites

Abstract

AbstractFailure by delamination is one of the primary concerns in laminated composites. The development and progression of the delamination results in the degradation of composite stiffness affecting its structural integrity and may ultimately result in composite structure failure. Therefore, knowledge of the evolution of delamination resistance and the factors which affect the delamination in composites is of utmost importance for the selection of materials. This study investigates the effect of fiber hybridization and post‐curing on mode‐II interlaminar fracture toughness (GIIC) of Glass/Carbon/Epoxy (GCE) composites. Carbon/Epoxy (CE), Glass/Epoxy (GE), and GCE composite laminates were molded employing the process of hand layup technique and post‐cured at different temperatures. GE laminates exhibited a superior load for delamination and deformation compared to CE and GCE laminates. The hybrid GCE laminates exhibited higher interlaminar fracture toughness compared to non‐hybrid GE and CE laminates, which can be attributed to the synergetic effect of Carbon and Glass fibers. The laminates post‐cured at 180°C exhibited higher fracture toughness in their corresponding groups. The delaminated surfaces of CE, GE, and GCE laminates were further examined under Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the effect of post‐curing and fiber hybridization on mode‐II interlaminar fracture toughness.