Study of hybrid intralaminate curaua/glass composites

In this study, thermal, mechanical and dynamic mechanical analyses of hybrid intralaminate curaua/glass composites were carried out. Distinct curaua/glass fiber content ratio and overall fiber volume fraction (20, 30 and 40 vol.%) were studied. Thermal analysis showed higher thermal stability for the glass reinforcement. Mechanical properties showed, in general, higher impact strength and hardness with glass incorporation. Dynamic mechanical properties showed an increase in storage modulus whereas the glass transition temperature showed no significant trend with glass incorporation. Furthermore, a significant increase in overall properties can be obtained without significantly change the glass transition temperature. Finally, the composites containing more effective reinforcement were more successful in maintaining their properties along the range of temperature studied. Hybridization has been successful and the composite with 30% of curaua fiber replacing the glass fiber displayed similar properties than the pure glass composite. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.