Investigation of Mechanical Properties and Crack Propagation Behaviour of Hybrid Composites with Epoxy Resin Matrix

Abstract

Mechanical properties, micro structure and crack propagation behaviour of different fabric reinforced mono and hybrid composites for materials of wind turbines have been investigated. Mechanical properties of different fabrics (glass, basalt and carbon) reinforced mono and hybrid composites with epoxy resin matrix have been compared. For characterization of materials tensile, three-point bending and single-edge notched tensile (SEN-T) tests with acoustic emission study were used and scanning electron microscope (SEM) pictures have been taken of the fracture surfaces of composite specimens. Similar behaviour of glass and basalt fibre reinforced composites was revealed by tensile and three-point bending tests. The satisfactory adhesion between fibre and matrix was shown by scanning electron microscope. The fibre-break was proven by the taken pictures to be the main failure mechanism. Results of mechanical tests were also confirmed by acoustic emission study. The crack propagation method of glass and basalt fabric reinforced composites is similar.