Enhancement of high-performance structures with sustainable seashell filler-based GFRP composites in static loading

Abstract

Research on reinforcing airplane structures while reducing their weight by employing sustainable materials is currently challenging. In this study, damage mechanisms, mechanical characteristics, and failure behavior of laminates made of plain-woven glass fiber/epoxy and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) with sea shell filler under low-velocity impact static loading conditions are experimentally investigated. The bi-directional GFRP type E-glass laminates with 10 plies and a total thickness of 3.35 mm are created by hand lay-up process using an epoxy matrix. Comparing GFRP with an effective ratio of sea shell filler of 5% under various impact loading, composites are characterized in accordance with ASTM standards to assess the progressive damage and failure of GFRP composite. The findings of the experiment indicate that GFRP with seashell filler composites outperforms GFRP composites in terms of impact strength, outstanding flexural strength, and tensile strength. The findings show that adding seashell filler to GFRP increased the composite’s ability to sustain various impact loads. The sample with seashell infill has a drop weight impact that is 25.26% lower than GFRP. Moreover, the flexural test demonstrated a 59.6% increase in bending over GFRP. Seashell filler outperformed GFRP in the longitudinal strength test by 33.12%, according to the results of the tensile test. Finally, the compression after impact test (CAI) manifested a remarkable increase in transverse strength by 78.23%.