Flax/basalt/E-glass Fibers Reinforced Epoxy Composites with Enhanced Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of flax/basalt/E-glass fibers reinforced epoxy composites were studied in this paper. Vacuum bagging technique was adopted for the fabrication of hybrid composite laminates. The effects of fibers relative amounts and stacking sequence on the tensile, flexural and impact properties were investigated. Results showed that the developed hybrid composites display enhanced tensile, flexural, and impact performance as compared to flax fiber/epoxy composite. The tensile, flexural, and impact strengths increase when partial laminas from flax fiber/epoxy laminate are replaced by basalt and/or glass fiber reinforced epoxy laminas. Incorporating high strength fibers to the composite outer layers leads to improved flexural and impact resistances, whilst the opposite was noticed for tensile properties. The fabricated hybrids show economical and specific mechanical properties benefits. Fibers relative amounts and stacking sequence have noticeable effects on the studied mechanical properties.

Automated summary

The mechanical properties of flax/basalt/E-glass fibers reinforced epoxy composites were studied in this research, which investigated the effects of fiber relative amounts and stacking sequence on the tensile, flexural, and impact properties. The results showed that replacing partial laminas with basalt and/or glass fiber reinforced epoxy laminas could enhance the tensile, flexural, and impact strengths. Additionally, incorporating high strength fibers to the outer layers of the composite improved flexural and impact resistances, while having the opposite effect on tensile properties.