The Effect of Hybridisation on Carbon and Glass Fibres Reinforced Composites under Quasi-Static Loading

Fibre hybridisation in composite structures is a promising strategy to control the stiffness and energy absorption characteristics. The hybrid structure could offer a better balance of appropriate mechanical properties tailored to specific application. Carbon fibre is extremely strong compared to glass fibre, and to overcome the challenges of replacing conventional materials in respect of the appropriate mechanical properties, hybridisation seems to be a good approach. In this study interlaminar hybrid composites were produced with carbon and glass fibres as reinforcement and non-hybrid samples of carbon fibre reinforcement. All the composite plates were tested under quasi-static loading and the results obtained were plotted as load – displacement graphs for loading and un-loading; the slope of the loading curve taken as estimate for the bending stiffness. The results of the laminate bending stiffnesses were 312 kN/m, 407 kN/m, 224 kN/m and 223 kN/m for the configurations [90C/0C/±45C]S, [90C/0C]2S, [90C/0G/±45CG]S and [90C/0G]2S respectively; which showed reduction with the introduction of glass fibres. Hence, the process of hybridisation could be used to modify a couple of the characteristics of composite structures including the natural frequencies and damping properties. Micro-photograph of the damaged section revealed matrix crack and ply debonding.