Mechanical Properties Characterization of Glass/Carbon Fiber Hybrid Multilayer Composite under Environmental Aging Condition

Abstract

Metallic components in boating industry are being replaced with carbon fiber composites due to their light weight, excellent mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. However, the carbon fiber cost has obstructed the substitution. Hybridization is suggested to merge carbon and glass fibers in cost-effective composites while maintaining the desired engineering properties. This study experimentally examines the impact of hybridization and seawater aging on the mechanical properties of glass and carbon fibers hybrid composites. A range of composites ([C]6, [CGC]s, [C]3[G]3, [GCG]s, and [G]6) are fabricated and aged in simulated seawater solution before their tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties are examined. The results revealed degradation in properties due to the ageing, the degree of degradation is influenced by the s hybridization configuration. The [G]6 sample shows the highest tensile strength reduction of 30% compared to 20% for the [C]6. The remaining samples exhibit reduction percentages falling between these two extremes. A similar behavior is observed in the flexural test, though the extremes values are smaller, 10.2%, and 12.5%. The impact and hardness tests showed an inverse relationship between the glass fiber content and impact strength degradation due to aging, while they exhibited a linear correlation for hardness degradation due to ageing.