Hybrid composites based on polyethylene and carbon fibres Part 2: influence of composition and adhesion level of polyethylene fibres on mechanical properties

Abstract

Combining high performance polyethylene (HP-PE) and carbon fibres as reinforcing elements in so-called hybrid composite structures results in a unique class of structural materials possessing high damping and impact resistance. Mechanical properties of unidirectional HP-PE/carbon-epoxy hybrids have been studied, emphasizing basic mechanical characterization such as tensile, compressive and shear strength, initial as well as long-term modulus, vibrational damping and impact response. This paper describes the influence of overall composition and adhesion level of the HP-PE fibres on the mechanical properties of such hybrids.