Effect of Hybridization on Flexural Performance of Unidirectional and Bidirectional Composite Laminates under Ambient Temperature

Abstract

Abstract. Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) materials are widely used in several key engineering applications such as ships, aircraft, wind turbine blades, helicopter blade, automobiles, and other transportation vehicles because of their mechanical properties and tailoring capabilities.Carbon and glass fibres are the most popular fibre reinforcements used for composite components. In the present study, two different stacking sequences, (0 degrees) and (0/90 degrees), are selected to study effect of fibre hybridization on flexural performance using three-point bending tests. Materials used are E-glass and T-300 carbon fibres in an epoxy matrix and the laminates were produced by resin transfer moulding methods. Fracture surfaces of composite laminates were examined using a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the flexural strength, modulus and strain at failure of unidirectional and bidirectional composite laminates were strongly influenced by stacking sequences, fibre orientation and the hybrid ratio of the fibres. A higher flexural modulus was achieved when carbon fibres were placed on the compressive side. Hybrid specimens showed higher flexural strength and modulus by 21.08% and 145.39%, respectively, compared to the pure glass fibre reinforced laminates. On the other hand, flexural strength and modulus of hybrid specimen were less by 6.50% and 8.20%, respectively, as compared to carbon fibre reinforced specimens. Stacking sequences and hybrid ratio of glass/carbon fibre reinforced specimens were investigated with a view towards improving the mechanical properties of hybrid composites.