Effect of Fabric Layering Sequence and Architecture on Mechanical Properties of Clay, Jute, and Glass Fibers Reinforced Polyester Laminated Hybrid Composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hybrid laminated composites are attracting a lot of attention these days. Indeed, mixing natural and synthetic fabrics in the same matrix completely exploits the components’ greatest properties. However, it has been proven that the use of particles such as clays increases the material performance. Hence, the aim of this study is to produce a new hybrid laminated composite system using the hand lay-up method and compression molding techniques. For this, a layering sequence of plain-woven jute fabrics and different architecture of E-Glass fibers (matt and plain-woven roving fabrics with different grammage) were selected to strengthen a polyester resin modified with a tiny amount of clays. The effects of hybridization, layering sequence, and weaving architecture were evaluated by means of mechanical tests. The dispersion and distribution of the charges in the polymeric matrix were also investigated by studying the material rheological properties. We conclude that the proposed hybridization may result in an optimal, superior, and cost-effective laminated composite that fits all the requirements of a given structure.