Experimental studies on the tensile and flexural properties of epoxy based unidirectional glass/carbon interlayer hybrid composites

There is always a need for developing composite materials with high specific stiffness, high specific strength, better damping properties at reduced cost. Hybrid composites are emerging as a viable solution wherein in better performance at an optimum cost are required compared to conventional composites. There is a need to develop interlayer glass/carbon hybrid composite and evaluate their mechanical properties in order to attain better mechanical properties at lesser cost. The effect of interlayer stacking of glass/carbon fibers and orientation of ply for 0⁰ & 45⁰ on the mechanical properties of the hybrid composites are investigated in this paper. Interlayer hybrid laminate consisting of 8 layers of unidirectional glass & 2 layers of unidirectional carbon are fabricated using the hand-lay-up and vacuum bagging process. The hybrid laminates are prepared by varying the stacking position of the carbon fiber. The tensile strength of hybrid composites improved by 37.5% as compared to neat glass polymer composite. The flexural strength of hybrid composites was found to improve by 10.5% as compared to neat glass composite. The stacking sequence of carbon fibers and ply orientation showed significant influence on the tensile and flexural properties of the hybrid composites. The interlayer hybrid composites have the potential for use in industrial applications wherein better mechanical properties are required at optimal cost.