Mode-I fracture toughness of glass/carbon fiber reinforced epoxy matrix polymer composite

Abstract

Abstract Advanced polymer composites such as continuous fiber-hybrid reinforced composites results in significant increase in fracture toughness and strength when compared with conventional composites. In this recent research plane strain or mode-I (tensile) fracture toughness of the glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite, carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite and hybrid polymer composite (with glass and carbon fiber reinforcements to epoxy matrix) along with its interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength has been evaluated and discussed. Scanning electron microscopic images were also used to analyze the fracture behavior of these composites. The obtained results are analyzed to evaluate: (i) effect of glass fiber and its influence on the flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength and mode-I fracture toughness, (ii) effect of carbon fiber and its influence on the flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength and mode-I fracture toughness, and (iii) finally, properties of hybrid composite. The results thus obtained have revealed that the mode-I or plane fracture toughness is significantly enhanced with the reinforcement of carbon fibers. In hybrid composite fracture toughness is greater when compared with their bulk and monolithic counter parts.