Effect of Hybridization Ratio on Impact Resistance and Damage Mechanism of Carbon/Glass Unidirectional Hybrid Laminates

This study aims to investigate the effect of different hybridization ratios on the impact resistance and residual compressive after-impact properties of carbon/glass unidirectional hybrid laminates. The objective of the study is to screen the optimum hybridization ratio for enhancing the impact resistance and resilience of the composite. For this purpose, the study utilized the acoustic emission (AE) technique to monitor the damage evolution of the composite laminates. In addition, ultrasonic C-scanning techniques and 3D digital microscopy were employed to analyze the impact resistance and damage impedance data of the composites. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of glass fibers altered the impact damage pattern of the composites, thereby significantly improving their impact resistance and compression after impact (CAI) strength. Among the different hybridization ratios tested, the laminate with a carbon fiber volume fraction of 61.5% exhibited the best impact resistance and high resilience. Impact resistance was also better when the carbon fiber content was 21.05% versus 44.4%, indicating a good hybridization effect. At 86.5% carbon fiber content, the impact resistance of the laminate is poor. To understand the effect of hybridization ratios on the impact resistance, residual strength, and damage mechanisms of composite materials. This is especially advantageous for aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering, significantly enhancing components’ risk resistance, service life, and required impact and compressive after impact strength.