Indentation and low velocity impact properties of woven E-glass hybridization with basalt, jute and flax toughened epoxy composites

Abstract

In this paper, the indentation and low velocity impact behaviours of homogeneous and hybrid composites of woven E-glass with basalt, jute and flax were experimentally investigated. Inter-ply hybrid laminates with different fibre arrangements were prepared, namely sandwich-like (SL) and intercalation (IC) sequences. Hybrid laminates were fabricated with similar ratios between synthetic and natural fibres based on the fibre weight fraction, Wf for both sequences. Indentation test was performed up to the extent that the specimens completely penetrated and maximum indentation energy was recorded. Then, the maximum indentation energy attained from indentation test was subjected to low-velocity impact test. Results showed that the (SL) sequence of E-glass/basalt and E-glass/flax exhibited higher impact peak force compared to (IC) sequence, which contradicted with E-glass/jute. In terms of impact energy, the (IC) sequence of E-glass/jute and E-glass/flax showed higher values compared to (SL) sequence of E-glass/basalt.