Hybrid composites based on polyethylene and carbon fibres Part 3: Impact resistant structural composites through damage management

Abstract

Damage tolerance and impact resistance have become key parameters for composite materials in structural applications. In this paper a toughening concept for structural composites based on the hybridization of carbon fibres with high performance polyethylene (HP-PE) fibres is presented. Impact behaviour of hybrid HP-PE/carbon laminates was studied using a falling weight impact test. The effect of the addition of HP-PE fibres as well as the effect of the adhesion level of these fibres on the impact resistance of hybrid HP-PE/carbon structures was investigated. Hybridization results in structural composites exhibiting a significantly better resistance to impact damage than all-carbon laminates due to a change in energy absorption mode. After hybridization more energy is stored in the HP-PE component and consequently less energy is available for damage in the structural carbon component, resulting in a reduction in impact damage and improved post-impact properties.