Mechanical properties of inter-ply hybrid composites reinforced with glass and polyamide fibers

The aim of this study is to explore the possibility of using polyamide (PA) as a reinforcement with glass (G) fiber to form new hybrid composites with improved physical and mechanical properties. PA-G-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites were designed, fabricated using the hand layup technique in inter-ply configuration and their mechanical properties were investigated. Results are presented regarding the tensile, flexural, and in-plane shear behaviors of the fabricated composites with a particular consideration of the effects of the stacking sequence and PA-fiber relative volume fraction, (v(PA)/v(tot)). The experimental results reveal that the existence of G-fiber at the composite external layers and PA-fiber in the core improves the tensile and flexural properties but worsens the shear properties. Also, increasing (v(PA)/v(tot)) upgrades the tensile properties but deteriorates the flexural and shear properties. The merits of the hybridization in the current study are lesser cost compared to pure PA-composite and lightweight and better ductility compared to pure G-composite with improved mechanical properties. As a result, these hybrid composites are suitable for medium load applications.