Optimizing impact strength of laminate hybrid interply composites made of epoxy reinforced by continuous carbon and natural fibers

Abstract

In this work, low velocity impact resistance of laminated hybrid interply composites, made of epoxy matrix which is reinforced by continuous synthetic carbon and natural fibers, has been studied experimentally. Natural fibers included Ramie and Hemp which were used as reinforcement in composite plies according to various stacking sequences. The effect of fiber orientation was taken into account by varying the relative direction of fibers in plies. Optimal configuration of a hybrid interply composite was assessed as function of the desired impact strength and cost of fabrication. It was found that carbon-Ramie composite for which the impacted face is reinforced with carbon fibers achieves the best cost-effectiveness.