Hybridization Effects on Tensile and Bending Behavior of Aramid/Basalt Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

In this study, the mechanical properties of aramid/basalt hybrid composite laminates were determined, and the effects of hybridization on the mechanical properties were investigated. To examine the effect of hybridization, the mechanical properties of aramid/basalt hybrid composite laminates were compared with those of aramid/epoxy and basalt/epoxy non-hybrid composite laminates. The mechanical properties, tensile and flexural, of composite laminates were determined by performing uniaxial tensile and three-point bending tests. The results showed that the employment of basalt fibers for partial substitution of aramid fibers in the composite laminate could provide improvements in the tensile and flexural properties. Furthermore, the results of three-point bending tests were found that the employment of basalt fibers on compressive side across the thickness of composite laminates were realized significant improvement for flexural properties in comparison to the employment of basalt fibers on tensile side. (C) 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers