Short beam strength and flexural behavior of GFRP laminates embedded with short carbon fibers having notch

Abstract

This paper examines the mechanical performance of eight-layered GFRP laminate embedded with short carbon fibers (SCF). Eight layered GFRP samples are prepared using press molding machine at 40 KN pressure. Notched samples (1 mm deep) at specific position from the center are tested, the doping of SCF is done to evaluate the improvement in mechanical properties using reinforcement at three different proportions 0, 1, 2 and 5 wt.%. The GFRP samples are prepared as per ASTM D2344 and ASTM D7264 for short beam strength (SBS) and flexural and respectively. Samples are tested using Hounsfield HK-50 universal testing machine (UTM) with 50KN capacity at room atmospheric conditions. Results of the experimental analysis justified that the improvement in mechanical properties with increase in doping percentage of SCF while at highest doping value i.e. 5 wt.% mechanical properties reduced.