The impact behaviour of hybrid fibre-particle composites based on a full factorial design

Abstract

© 2022 Elsevier LtdThis work describes the impact behaviour of a hybrid fibre-particulate composite composed of glass-carbon fibres and easily dispersible microparticles. The effects of fibre stacking sequence (carbon-C5, glass-G5, C2G3, G3C2, GCGCG and CG3C), particle type (silica, cement and carbon microfibers-CMF) and matrix-fibre volume fraction (40/60 and 60/40) are analysed based on a full factorial design (2 ¹4 ¹6 ¹). A drop-tower impact test characterises the hybrid composites. Fractured surfaces are examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The results reveal a significant synergistic effect, in which hybrid composites achieve an overall performance improvement of approximately 20% compared to glass and carbon composites. There is a greater dependence on the inclusion of particles to impact energy and resistance, reaching increased values, especially when silica particles are added. A greater amount of matrix phase ratio leads to a more efficient rheology in terms of fibre-particle interface. In addition, symmetrically placed carbon fibre layers on both sides of the beam under tensile and compressive loads (CG3C) enhance their impact performance in hybrid configuration.

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