Effect of carbon/glass fiber symmetric inter-ply sequence on mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites

The usage of glass/carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites in industries is increasing day by day. The carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite shows better mechanical properties than glass fiber reinforced polymer composite. However, catastrophic failure is observed in carbon fiber composite due to low elongation of carbon fiber. In order to achieve both design adaptability and reduction of cost, there is a need to develop the carbon/glass hybrid composite and evaluate their mechanical properties. The hybrid laminates were fabricated by hand lay-up technique. The two glass/carbon fibrous hybrid composites are [G2C2G] S and [CG3C] S. The tensile strength and flexural strength of [G2C2G]S has been improved by 6.74% and 23% respectively as compared to pure glass fiber reinforced polymer composite. The flexural modulus of [CG3C] S has been improved by 62% as compared to pure glass fiber composite. The flexural extension and impact strength of [G2C2G]S has been improved from 3.10 to 3.88 mm/mm and 30.86 to 108.85 KJ/m2 respectively as compared to pure carbon fiber composite. Hence, a proper design selection is required for a particular application of these types of hybrid composites.