Comparison of Static/Dynamic Loading and Tensile Behavior of Interply and Intraply Hybridized Carbon/Basalt Epoxy Composites

Hybridization of inherently brittle carbon fibers with basalt fibers in the fiber reinforced plastics results in improved impact damage resistance and ductility. This study investigates the effects of two hybridization types i.e., interply and intraply and compares the tensile, dynamic, and quasi-static loading behavior of the carbon/basalt hybrid composites. While low velocity impact (LVI) tests were conducted at rebounding, penetrating and perforating impact velocities of 4, 5.6 and 6.6 ms(-1), quasi-static indentation was monitored by acoustic emission signals to estimate the types of failures produced during the loading. Various parameters deduced from the experimental data were correlated with the structural configurations. Results showed that the type of hybridization and location of constituent fibers influenced the peak fracture forces, overall laminate ductility and damage degree. While the tensile strength and percent elongation of the intraply hybrid was higher, interply hybrids showed comparatively better damage absorption. Higher tensile strength and lower damage absorption in the intraply hybrids was a result of better interlayer cohesion and types of failure modes in the carbon yarns, respectively. In the interply hybrids, compliant deformation of basalt fibers and delamination of ductile fabric type interfaces improved the damage absorption of the laminate.