Evaluation of mechanical properties on Kevlar/Basalt fiber reinforced hybrid composites

Abstract

Composites made of natural and synthetic fiber combined hybrid composites are find many industrial applications. Due to high strength to light weight ratio, higher modulus significantly reduced cost, partially or fully bio-degradable and environmental friendly nature. In this research, composite fiber in woven mat form is added to matrix element with varying stacking sequences of symmetrical laminates. Four various hybrid laminate composites having kevlar and basalt fibers are the reinforcements in varying stacking sequences are produced using hand lay-up technique followed by compression molding. The mechanical strength of the produced composite is evaluated. Experimental results found that composite having stacking sequences of Kevlar-Basalt-Kevlar- Basalt –Kevlar- Basalt -Kevlar (K-B-K-B-K-B-K) has the highest value of tensile strength and flexural strength of 174 MPa and 188 MPa respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is used to examine the morphology of fractured surface of hybrid composites during testing. SEM images revealed that hybrid composite with K-B-K-B-K-B-K had less defects on its fractured surface compared to other counter parts of the hybrid composites.