Experimental investigation on impact performance of glass-polypropylene hybrid composites: Effect of water aging

The effect of water aging on the impact performance of glass (G)-polypropylene (P)-reinforced epoxy composites was investigated. Specimens were fabricated using the hand layup process with constant overall fiber volume fraction. Specimens were immersed in distilled water and seawater at room temperature, until reaching their water content saturation point. The dry and water-immersed specimens were subjected to edge-wise and flat-wise impact tests. Fractured surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy, SEM. The results showed that the impact performance of G-reinforced epoxy composite has been enhanced through hybridizing it with P-fiber but water uptake has been increased. Water uptake reduces the impact strength of all tested specimens. Composites exposed to seawater absorb less water than those exposed to distilled water. The water absorption percentage and impact performance can be effectively controlled by changing the hybrid configuration, plies stacking sequence and P/G fiber ratio.