Hybrid Glass Fiber Research Articles

Mechanical properties of open‐hole unidirectional laminates: Hybridization of jute unidirectional fabrics with glass fabrics

AbstractThis study examines the mechanical properties of open‐hole unidirectional laminates by hybridizing jute and glass fabrics. Characterization involved microscopy, thickness variation, density measurements, tensile, and flexural tests. Numerical models were developed for each configuration, validated by experimental data, with a VUMAT subroutine implemented in ABAQUS/Explicit™ to simulate progressive damage using the 3D Hashin criteria. Results showed voids in the interphase regions of both jute‐based and hybrid laminates, indicating that jute fibers contribute to void formation. Thickness varied with the number of hybrid interfaces, with the glass laminate (G5) being thinnest, while jute and hybrid laminates (JGJGJ, JGGGJ and J5) were thicker. Density variation was influenced by the fiber types and their respective densities. Tensile tests revealed lower strength and modulus in jute laminates compared to glass. Open holes reduced tensile properties across laminates, except for G5. Numerical‐experimental tensile strength differences ranged from 0.5% to 6.1% (without hole) and 3.7% to 64.0% (with hole). Open‐hole laminates also showed reduced flexural strength but maintained a consistent flexural modulus. Numerical and experimental results for jute and hybrid laminates matched closely, with differences from 0.02% to 19.5%. Failure modes during tensile and flexural tests provided important insights into laminate behavior.Highlights Hybridization of jute and glass fibers led to void formation in interphase regions. Thickness variation in laminates influenced by the number of hybrid interfaces. Density variation primarily influenced by fiber types and their densities. Bi‐component jute laminates showed lower tensile properties compared to glass laminates. Open holes resulted in decreased tensile properties, except for G5‐H laminate. Failure modes during tensile testing provided valuable insights into laminate behavior. Open‐hole laminates exhibited reduced flexural strength with similar flexural modulus.

Optimized Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Glass and Caustic Soda-Treated Banana Fibre Hybrid Composites

Optimized Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Glass and Caustic Soda-Treated Banana Fibre Hybrid Composites

Constructing ZSM-5 loaded with 2-mercaptobenzimidazole on glass fiber for enhancing the anti-corrosion and erosion resistance properties of epoxy coating

Glass fiber reinforced polymer coatings (GFRPC) are used to protect steel structures in harsh Marine environments due to high mechanical strength and chemical stability. The composite coating not only suffers from impact damage by seawater and sediment but also experiences corrosion damage in the splash zone. However, the GF has weak interfacial adhesion with polymer resins due to the chemical inertia and smooth surface, which limits the service lifespan of GFPRC. Hence, ZSM-5 zeolites were in situ prepared on the surface of glass fibers by hydrothermal synthesis, and 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI) was further adsorbed to obtain difunctional hybrid glass fibers (ZGFM) to enhance the interfacial adhesion strength of glass fiber/resin and also the erosion resistance and anti-corrosion ability of composite coatings. Compared to GF/EP, the interfacial shear strength of ZGFM/EP was increased by 104.39 %. After immersion under an alternating hydrostatic pressure of 20 MPa for 12 days, the impedance value of the ZGFM/EP composite coating remained at 6.40 × 109 Ω•cm2, demonstrating outstanding deep-sea anti-corrosion performance. Following the erosion test, the ZGFM/EP exhibited a reduction in mass loss and volume loss by 10.65 % and 12.55 %, respectively, in comparison to the pure EP coating. The excellent interfacial strength between ZGFM and EP ensured effective stress transfer, which prevented crack propagation, thus enhancing the mechanical properties and erosion resistance of the composite coating. Meanwhile, electrochemical experiment proves glass fiber with MBI loaded obviously inhibited the corrosion reaction.

Influences of hybrid fiber on functional and drilling characteristics study of polymer hybrid Nanocomposite

The severe environmental pollution related to the manufacturing, recycling and disposal of metal-based and synthetic fiber-based composites has a major impact on human and animal life. A wide range of studies are conducted on alternative materials in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Various industries are focusing on using natural fibers from banana, jute, coir, hemp, pineapple, areca, kenaf, Sterculia foetida and Delonix regia that are the key sources of different components for developing nanocomposites. Drilling is a vital factor in the assembly process of composites. The amorphous structure of the natural fibers causes the formation of cracks at the entry and exit sides of the drilled hole. So, in the present work a nanocomposite was synthesized and optimized the machining parameters, which affect the surface finish of the hole at the entry, exit and inner surface of the drilled hole. The effect of the hybridization of glass fiber with the pineapple leaf fiber and areca fiber was studied in terms of tensile properties, delamination around the hole and surface roughness. The microstructure of the holes was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Investigation of effects of environmental conditions on wear behaviors of glass fiber reinforced polyester composite materials

AbstractGlass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites can be subjected to different environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, hydrothermal cycle, acidic and alkaline solution in environments where they operate. These environmental conditions cause different damage mechanisms in composites such as pore formation, micro‐cracks, delamination, fiber breakage, fiber/matrix interface separation, plasticization, swelling and surface color change. In this study, wear properties of hybrid glass fiber reinforced polymer composites exposed to various environmental conditions for constant load (60 N), speed (500 rpm) and 2 h were examined comprehensively, depending on material content and environmental conditions. In this experimental study, the service conditions in glass fiber reinforced composites were simulated using different artificial aging environments such as acidic environment, hydrothermal cycle and UV radiation. In addition to the material content, it appears that the environmental conditions to which composites are exposed has a significant effect on friction coefficient. Considering environmental conditions, it is seen that the acid environment and hydrothermal cycle have reduced wear resistance of GFRP composites, while UV radiation improved wear resistance of the composites. In C2 sample, the wear rates under different conditions are 1.87 × 10−14 m3/Nm in non‐treated sample, 6.05 × 10−14 m3/Nm in acid environment, 4.79 × 10−14 m3/Nm in hydrothermal cycle and 0.59 × 10−14 m3/Nm in UV radiation.Highlights Friction coefficient of glass fiber reinforced polyester (GFRP) is higher under aged condition compared to non‐treated. Glass fibers used in correct proportions can reduce friction coefficient in GFRP. GFRP exposed to environmental conditions has an important effect on wear. Acid environment and hydrothermal cycle has reduced wear resistance of GFRP. UV radiation improved wear resistance of GFRP composite.

Response of seawater sea sand coral aggregate concrete columns reinforced with hybrid glass fiber reinforced polymer and stainless steel bars under axial compression

Response of seawater sea sand coral aggregate concrete columns reinforced with hybrid glass fiber reinforced polymer and stainless steel bars under axial compression

Shear strength of hybrid GFRP-steel reinforced concrete corbels without vertical stirrups: Experimental research and prediction models

This paper investigates the behavior and predicts the shear strength of concrete corbels reinforced with hybrid glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP)/steel reinforcement bars. For this purpose, the study consists of two main parts: the first part was an experimental study carried out on eight hybrid reinforced concrete corbels and four GFRP reinforced concrete corbels with a shear span to depth ratio (a/d) of 0.7 and 1.0; in the second part, a nonlinear finite element model (NFEM) was developed and validated against experimental results. Comprehensive parametric studies based on the validated NFEM were conducted to assess the impact of main parameters on the shear capacity. As a result, an empirical formula predicting the shear capacity of hybrid RC corbels was proposed. Furthermore, a softened strut-and-tie model (SSTM) was further developed to predict the shear capacity of hybrid RC corbels. The test results indicate that increasing the steel reinforcement ratio significantly enhances the shear strength. The width of the inclined crack band narrows as a portion of GFRP reinforcement is replaced with steel reinforcement. The NFEM shows good agreement with test results in terms of load-deflection curve, strain of rebar and failure modes. The proposed empirical formula and extended SSTM accurately predict the shear capacity of hybrid RC corbels compared to test results and numerical simulations.

Viscoelastic Performance of Bagasse/Glass Fiber Hybrid Epoxy Composites: Effects of Fiber Hybridization on Storage Modulus, Loss Modulus, and Damping Behavior

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the viscoelastic properties of bagasse/glass fiber multilayered hybrid reinforced epoxy composites, focusing on how fiber hybridization affects dynamic mechanical performance. Epoxy composites with various layering sequences, including all-glass (AG), all-bagasse (AB), bagasse-glass-bagasse (BGB), and glass-bagasse-glass (GBG), were fabricated and analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to measure storage modulus (E'), loss modulus (E''), and damping factor (tan δ). The results showed that hybrid composites (GBG and BGB) experienced a decrease in storage modulus by approximately 25% compared to AG, indicating enhanced polymer molecular chain mobility and improved interfacial adhesion between bagasse fibers and the epoxy matrix. The glass transition temperature (Tg) was slightly lower in hybrid composites, with GBG at 61 °C and BGB at 60 °C, compared to 62 °C for AG. In terms of energy dissipation, AG exhibited the highest loss modulus peak at 62 °C, while AB showed the lowest with a Tg at 53 °C. The damping factor analysis revealed that AB had the highest damping peak (tan δ = 0.9) at 61 °C, although this occurred at a lower temperature than the AG composite (tan δ = 0.7 at 76 °C). These findings suggest that bagasse and glass fiber hybrid composites offer tailored viscoelastic properties, making them suitable for applications in automotive components, aerospace structures, and sports equipment.

Manipulable multipurpose nanothermometers based on a fluorescent hybrid glass fiber microsphere cavity

Manipulable multipurpose nanothermometers based on a fluorescent hybrid glass fiber microsphere cavity

Scratch resistance of glass‐basalt fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites: A comparative study

AbstractThis research explores the scratch resistance of polymer composites reinforced with hybrid glass and basalt fibers under repeated loadings. By examining the behavior across 1–10 repetitions using Rockwell and Vickers indenters, the study delves into the complex interplay between composite matrices and the fibers' configurations. Through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging and 3D profilometry, it reveals how different fibers influence the composite's surface post‐scratch tests. Basalt fibers are found to offer superior scratch protection over glass fibers, although both types' of effectiveness declines with increased loading cycles, showing significant material loss and surface damage respectively. Composites with these fibers display enhanced resistance, especially when basalt fibers are optimally positioned on the surface. The study underscores the critical role of fiber‐matrix bonding in scratch resistance and the significant impact of mechanical stress. It was found that the scratch hardness values reduced with more repeats in the scratch tests utilizing Vickers and Rockwell indenters. The sample with the label G4B6G4 has the greatest hardness values, which is noteworthy. After 10 repeats, the scratch hardness values for this sample reduced to 225 N/mm2 and 75 N/mm2, respectively, from roughly 340 N/mm2 and 225 N/mm2 at both ends for a single repetition. In addition, ANOVA for penetration depth is dominated (66.01%) by the repetition factor. The most common kind is indenter (42.79%), with low p‐values. Despite material and indenter effects, groove area study confirms the significance of repetition (65.72%).Highlights Basalt fibers enhance scratch resistance more than glass fibers. Increased scratch repetitions lead to fiber breakage and material loss. Hybrid fiber layers distribute load and minimize surface damage. Strong fiber‐matrix adhesion is crucial for reducing damage severity. Research informs the design of durable, fiber‐reinforced composites.

Parametric optimization in drilling of sisal–glass reinforced epoxy composites using Taguchi grey relational analysis method

This research work intends to study the effect of hybridization of glass and sisal fiber, stacking sequence and tensile properties of the composite. The sisal-glass fiber hybrid composites laminates are prepared using reinforced plain woven sisal fabric (unidirectional) and plainwoven glass fabric. In this research study, 27 experiments are conducted as per L27 orthogonal array. Five process parameters are selected and three responses are considered in this work. The drilling of the composite specimen is considered and the drilling process parameters such as speed, feed rate, drill diameter, material thickness, and drill point angle are selected. The responses considered in this work are delamination factor, thrust force, and torque. Taguchi analysis is performed and the response table for means for the responses is determined, and the most influencing parameter in the drilling of the composite specimen is analyzed. The grey relational coefficients are computed and followed with the computation of the grey relational grade. The grey relational grades are calculated for determining the highest contributing parameter in the drilling of the sisal fiber and glass fiber reinforced hybrid composite specimen. The optimum drilling process parameters are ranked and the ranks presented represent the sequence of run resulting in optimum solutions.

High-performance hybrid glass fibre epoxy composites reinforced with amine functionalised graphene oxide for structural applications

Glass fibre-reinforced epoxy (GFRE) composites have had limited use as structural components in industrial applications (e.g., oil and gas, aerospace and civil infrastructure). The use of nanomaterials, such as graphene, has been explored recently to enhance the mechanical and long-term properties of GFRE to realise their full potential and increase their usage. This study evaluated the tensile, creep, and fatigue behaviour of amine-functionalised graphene oxide (fGO) modified glass fibre/epoxy laminate composites. A spray coating technique was used to coat the fGO particles onto the glass fibre surface, and epoxy composite laminates were manufactured using the vacuum resin infusion method. Creep and fatigue testing was performed under a load-controlled mode in tension. Adding fGO within the composites significantly improves the static, creep, and fatigue properties of the fGO-GFRE composites at both room and elevated temperatures. It is shown that fGO acts as a barrier to microcrack initiation and restrains the macrocrack propagation during cyclic loading under elevated temperatures in the GFRE composites. These factors, therefore, prevent the early delamination of the matrix and fibre interface during cyclic loading, which explains the fatigue life extension observed in the fGO-modified composites. With 0.05 wt% fGO, the fatigue life of the fGO-GFRE composites was extended by 8× and 30× at a maximum stress of 124 and 151 MPa respectively, in a 90 °C environment compared to the control GFRE composites. While the creep life compared to the control increased by 63×, 103× and 159× with 0.25 wt%, 0.5 wt% and 1 wt% fGO, respectively. These enhancements are attributed to the large surface area, high stiffness, and functional groups present, which provide a stronger bond between the composite phases. These features help restrict the mobility of the polymer chain during the creeping load and act as barriers to fatigue crack propagation, enhancing the composite’s durability. The nanocomposites produced display attractive properties for many possible industrial applications where improved performance is needed while maintaining a minimum cost.

Development of lightweight and high-strength glass fiber and natural fiber hybrid composites using VARTM technique

This research paper presents the synthesis of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) and Natural Fiber Hybrid Composites (NFHC) utilizing Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) techniques. Jute and flax fibers were strategically selected for their unique properties and potential synergistic effects when combined with glass fibers. The study systematically evaluates the influence of natural fiber incorporation on the mechanical performance of the composites, focusing on critical factors such as fiber type, orientation, and resin selection. A series of meticulously crafted laminate configurations were employed. These included combinations of glass and jute fibers (GJG, GJGJG), glass and flax fibers (GFG, GFGFG), and a reference laminate composed solely of glass fibers (GGGGG). The mechanical characterization involved rigorous Izod impact testing, hardness assessments, and water absorption tests to provide a detailed understanding of behavior of composite material. The results reveal that the incorporation of jute fibers resulted in a significant enhancement of impact resistance of up to 59 % compared to GFG laminates and hardness. Water absorption varied across the laminates, with GGGGG exhibiting the lowest value of 0.054 %. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to gain valuable insights into the critical fiber-matrix interaction and microstructure of the composites, further elucidating the observed mechanical properties. These findings pave the way for lightweight, high-strength composites ideal for engineering applications, particularly automotive mono leaf springs. The resulting weight reduction promises significant gains in fuel efficiency and vehicle performance, advancing sustainable materials with exceptional mechanics.

Investigation of the Tensile, Flexural, and Impact Strengths of Hexagonal Expanded Aluminum Mesh/Biaxial Glass Fiber Hybrid Composites

Glass fibers are known for their high tensile strength, thermal properties, environmental resistance, and more. This research article investigates the mechanical properties of composites made of hexagonal expanded aluminum mesh (HEAM) of 1.03mm (0.04in) strand thickness, 6.5mm (0.25in) long way of opening (LWO), 5mm (0.2in) Short Way of Opening (SWO) and 1708 45/45 biaxial fiberglass with binder epoxy resin (LY556) with Hardener (HY918) with silicon dioxide as an additive. This study determines tensile, flexural, impact strengths. Results show hexagonal mesh efficiently distributes loads, yielding high strength-to-weight ratio, tensile strength, and energy absorption.

Self-healing potential of stitched glass/polypropylene/epoxy hybrid composites with various fibers

This study compares the impact damage response and self-healing potential of unstitched and stitched glass/polypropylene (PP) fiber reinforced thermoset composite structures. The novelty of this study is weaving preforms with an intra-ply hybridization of glass and thermoplastic PP fibers and stitching these preforms with a unique stitching pattern by considering the effect of stitching fiber types (PP, Kevlar®, Dyneema®, carbon and silk) on impact damage response and self-healing potential of composites. The mechanical properties of the stitching fiber influenced the composite’s behavior against impact and compressive loads. The unstitched composite deflected more than stitched composites under the same impact energy levels due to delaying of delamination via stitching process. The stitching process reduced the damage areas of composites subjected to 30 J and 60 J impact energies by 57 and 86%, respectively. Structural healing significantly decreased the damaged areas of both unstitched and stitched composite structures up to 87%, while it was more effective on stitched composites. The polypropylene melted and accumulated along the path of the stitch pattern, regardless of whether the stitching fiber was thermoplastic. Due to the reduced impacted area, compression after impact (CAI) strength retention of the stitched composite materials increased by up to 94%.

Impact of process parameters in drilling of glass epoxy composite with clam shell and cenosphere filler: A comparative analysis

Drilling is one of the secondary machining techniques most frequently utilised when Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) materials are assembled into a structure. The present work examines the drilling GFRPs and analyses hole quality based on the different traditional parameters: feed rate, spindle speed, and drill tool diameter. However, the hybridization of glass fiber- reinforced polymers (GRPs) by incorporating fillers as secondary reinforcement in the present piece of research has introduced new challenges for hole drilling and achieving the desired surface finishes. The delamination at the hole entrance and exit, considering the drill diameter of the HSS twist drill (6, 8, 10 mm), feed rate (0.04, 0.08, 0.12 mm/rev), cutting speed (1000, 1200, 1400 rpm), and filler content (0, 10, 20 wt.%) in GFRP, are the major factors are considered. The fillers used are clamshell powder and cenosphere, which are marine waste and thermal power plant waste, respectively. The present paper aims to study the effect of these fillers on the drilling-induced damages to the holes in terms of delamination factor, surface roughness, and dimensional accuracy of the hole (taper error, circularity error) of GFRPs. The most widely preferred Taguchi experimental design has been used for optimising the process parameters to obtain minimum delamination, surface roughness, and hole error. The study also aims to develop a correlation between feed rate, cutting velocity, drill diameter, and filler content with the delamination factor, surface roughness, taper error, and circularity error in a GFRP material. The observed results show that clamshells filled GFRP shows lower delamination, surface roughness, circularity error, and taper error compared to cenosphere filled GFRP composites under the same process parameters. It indicates the positive impact of the fillers in the drilling of GFRP, where the main objective is to reduce drilling-induced defects.

Interply hybridization of hollow glass fiber reinforced vascular composites

AbstractThe use of hybrid reinforcement in polymer composites has been getting attention due to its potential for weight and cost reduction while achieving improved design flexibility for mechanical and thermal properties. In this study, an interply hybridization of epoxy laminates was performed using layers of solid and hollow glass fibers. The structural and thermal performance of the resulting hybrid vascular composites was investigated. All composite parts were manufactured using vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), following an interply hybridization plan for the stacking sequence of hollow and solid fiber layers. An expected decrease in flexural properties and thermal conductivity was observed for the laminates with completely hollow fibers. On the other hand, hybridization had a positive effect on the laminate properties. It was shown that hybrid vascular composites could be manufactured without a significant reduction in mechanical and thermal performance by a judicious hybridization plan. The optimum hybridization of the laminate achieved a 3.1% increase in the specific flexural strength and a 5.3% decrease in thermal conductivity while containing a vascular network that can be used for active thermal control.Highlights A vascular interply composite structure consisting of hollow and solid fibers was manufactured and characterized for the first time. The I4 composite, vascularized through the middle layers of the laminate, has almost as much flexural strength as solid composite and much more specific flexural strength. The thermal conductivity of the I4 composite is almost as much as that of the solid composite. Functional composites for thermal management and smart applications can be manufactured using hollow fibers without sacrificing flexural strength and thermal conductivity with interply vascularization.

Optimization of the mechanical and vibrational damping properties of a hybrid rubber particle and glass fibre railway sleeper composite

In the locomotive industry, the railway structural material is frequently subjected to harsh loads and vibration, and the current durability and vibration-resilience capabilities of the sleepers are insufficient. The aim of this paper is to fabricate a railway sleeper composites with enhanced mechanical and vibrational properties. A full factorial experimental design was followed in the composite fabrication with the rubber particles and fibreglass volume fraction ratio varied between 5 and 20% and 5 to 8% respectively. Modelling and optimisation of the mix design was then carried out using numerical modelling techniques. ANOVA tests were carried out to show the model’s accuracy in predicting tensile strength, compression strength, flexural strength, and vibrational damping, as shown by R2 values of 60.69%, 86.60%, 60.05% and 81.41%, respectively. However, the model was not reliable for the composite hardness which had an R2 value of 37.87%. The optimisation model developed in the study indicated that rubber particles of size of 150 μm at volume fraction of 7.48% and fibreglass volume fraction of 8% gave the optimum mechanical and vibrational properties.

Detection and characterisation of defects in composite materials using microwave non-destructive testing methods

This paper proposes a technique for detecting impact-induced surface and subsurface fractures in Glass Fibre Reinforced Composites (GFRPs) and hybrid composite materials. Various categories of composite samples, namely Unidirectional GFRP, Bidirectional GFRP, Woven mat GFRP and Carbon-flax hybrid composites are fabricated by the hand-layup process, and cracks are induced in the samples by three-point flexural bending test using a Universal Testing Machine. Near-field microwave Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is employed in detecting the above cracks by recording the S11 parameter from the microwave transceiver probe throughout the sample. For image rendering the resulting outputs are passed as a 2-dimensional array to the image-rendering algorithms, namely Iterative Curve-Based Interpolation (ICBI), Improved New Edge-Directed Interpolation (INEDI) and the Lanczos algorithm. The most suitable algorithm to identify the clear picture and size of crack is identified, and the effectiveness of Microwave NDT for these composites is analysed.

Mechanothermal assessment of outdoors aged hybrid glass fibre reinforced polymer composite filled with fly ash as industrial waste

Industrial fly ash impregnated glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites were examined to assess their overall characteristics in adverse ambient conditions, keeping in mind that use of filler materials in FRP composites was expected to enhance the strength properties of the material. GFRP composite specimens with 2–10 wt % industrial fly ash were fabricated in the laboratory. These were exposed to open ambient ageing for 120 days. The samples impregnated with 8 wt % fly ash and aged for 120 days were seen to absorb the minimum moisture and exhibited the maximum ILSS of 35.19 MPa and flexural strength of 690 MPa, respectively. These samples also exhibited the highest Tg of 101.53°C as revealed through low temperature DSC. It was also observed that the 8 wt% fly ash containing samples aged in the open for 120 days showed the ILSS to be 5.83% higher and Tg to be 21.95% higher as compared to the unaged GFRP samples without fly ash. FTIR spectra confirm the trend of thermo-mechanical properties. Both optical and scanning electron microscopy of the fractured surfaces of the test samples revealed the modes of mechanical failure of the hybrid GFRP composite with their indicative properties at optimized extent of fly ash dispersion.