Post-curing and fiber hybridization effects on mode-II interlaminar fracture toughness of glass/carbon/epoxy composites
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2023
Abstract
Failure by delamination is one of the primary concerns in laminated composites. The development and progression of the delamination results in the degradation of composite stiffness affecting its structural integrity and may ultimately result in composite structure failure. Therefore, knowledge of the evolution of delamination resistance and the factors which affect the delamination in composites is of utmost importance for the selection of materials. This study investigates the effect of fiber hybridization and post-curing on mode-II interlaminar fracture toughness (GIIC) of Glass/Carbon/Epoxy (GCE) composites. Carbon/Epoxy (CE), Glass/Epoxy (GE), and GCE composite laminates were molded employing the process of hand layup technique and postcured at different temperatures. GE laminates exhibited a superior load for delamination and deformation compared to CE and GCE laminates. The hybrid GCE laminates exhibited higher interlaminar fracture toughness compared to non-hybrid GE and CE laminates, which can be attributed to the synergetic effect of Carbon and Glass fibers. The laminates post-cured at 180 degrees C exhibited higher fracture toughness in their corresponding groups. The delaminated surfaces of CE, GE, and GCE laminates were further examined under Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the effect of post-curing and fiber hybridization on mode-II interlaminar fracture toughness.
Keywords
fractography, mode II fracture toughness, polymer-matrix composites, SEM
Divisions
mechanical
Funders
Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through the Large Groups Project under grant number RGP. 2/36/44
Publication Title
Polymer Composites
Volume
44
Issue
8
Publisher
Wiley
Publisher Location
111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA