Scratch characteristics of particle and fiber reinforced polymer composite

Abstract

Abstract Composite Materials are known for their tailor-made properties. The metal or/and ceramic filler material improves the mechanical properties of E-glass fiber (E) reinforced polymer base composite. In the present work, hybrid composite laminates are made with two different stacking sequences of filler materials, such as Al and SiC in woven E-glass reinforced epoxy composite by hand lay method. The stacking sequences of the laminates are E/Al/E/SiC/E/Al/E (Al rich composite) and E/SiC/E/Al/E/SiC/E (SiC rich composite). The Al and SiC part icle sizes and phases are identified using SEM and XRD, respectively. To maintain orthotropic properties, Eglass woven is used in the present work. The mechanical properties of Al rich and SiC rich composites are compared with the help of tensile test, flexural test, hardness test, impact test and micro scratch test. The impact on particle size and distribution of subsurface filler material on scratch resistance is studied with three different constant loads such as 50, 75 and 100 N. The scratch geometry of Al and Si rich composite studied using white light interferometer and SEM image which indicates interfacial strength and the mechanism involved in failure of the material. In addition, water absorption rate and swelling of Al rich and SiC rich composites are also studied.