Evaluation of Mechanical and Insulation Properties of Nomex-T410 and HS Glass Polymer Matrix Composites

Abstract

Glass fibre-reinforced plastics (GFRP) composite materials are extending the application horizons of designers in all branches of engineering. The present work is focused on development and determination of mechanical and dielectric properties of hybrid polymer composites of Nomex and High Silica Glass fabricated through handlay process. Five laminates each were fabricated for four different stacking orders with an average of 55% matrix contents. The polymeric composite was tested for mechanical and dielectric properties. It is found that the hardness was boosted in the laminate with the presence of more layers of High Silica glass fibers, presence of higher number of Nomex contributed for an increase in the compression strength and High Silica glass fibers and Nomex had an equal effect in increasing flexural strength of the composite. The Nomex and E-glass fibers present in the core of the composite covered by High Silica glass on the outer layer of the composite offered very good dielectric strength and surface resistivity for the composite and the absence of E-glass fibers have enhanced the dissipation factor. Further all laminates showed a greater stability towards chemical attack and temperature stability was observed up to 300° C.