Materials Science Forum Vol. 1149

Abstract: The crucial role of hybridization in composite research lies in combining different materials to leverage their strengths, creating superior properties and functionalities, leading to enhanced performance and diverse applications. In this research, MWCNTs are chosen as fillers due to their well-known attributes of high mechanical strength. The Hand layup technique was employed to develop the hybrid composite, incorporating MWCNT particles at four different weight fractions (0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, and 2%) it was observed that 1wt% provided optimal properties, beyond which a decline occurred. Mechanical strength analysis was carried out experimentally, focusing on tensile, flexural, and impact strength of the composite. This study examines the impact of filler weight percentage and fiber orientation on mechanical properties of jute-glass-epoxy composites .The results demonstrated a notable impact of increasing reinforcement weight % on the composite's mechanical performance. Specifically, the tensile strength showed a remarkable improvement of 25%, while flexural strength saw a significant increase of 30%, and the impact strength exhibited a notable enhancement of 18.2%.Microstructural analysis using SEM is employed to understand the dispersion of MWCNTs within the jute-glass epoxy matrix and their influence on the composite's mechanical behaviour. These findings highlight the potential of MWCNT reinforcement to improve mechanical properties of jute and glass-based hybrid composites, making them attractive candidates for various engineering applications.

Abstract: Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites (GFRPs) are widely used in various industries due to their exceptional mechanical properties. To ensure their structural integrity, it is crucial to understand the behavior of GFRPs under impact loading. This study investigates the influence of impact energy distribution on damage accumulation in GFRPs laminates under low velocity impact loading. Experimental tests were conducted with different impact scenarios, including single impacts of 20 J, cumulative damage from two impacts of 10 J each, and mixed impacts of 8 J and 12 J. Through careful analysis of the experimental data, including load-time, load-displacement, and energy-time curves, the deformation and damage evolution were examined. The results revealed that the distribution of impact energy had a significant impact on damage accumulation in GFRPs. The single impact of 20 J caused substantial damage, highlighting the severity of high-energy impacts. However, cases involving cumulative damage from two impacts displayed varying damage patterns and levels. The distribution of energy between the impacts influenced the damage evolution and propagation, resulting in differences in the delaminated area and fracture process zone within the plates.

Abstract: Hybrid Fibre Metal Laminates (HFMLs) are composite materials made of alternating layers of metal and fibre-reinforced polymers. The paper discusses the development of HFMLs and their applicability in aerospace applications when compared to conventional FMLs. Experimental (Mechanical and vibrational) studies are conducted to assess the strength and vibrational properties of these materials. Mechanical and vibrational characteristics of the proposed materials are explored and presented. Aluminium 2024 T3 sheets as metal layer and hybrid (glass, carbon) polymer fibre reinforcements are used for developing hybrid lightweight laminates. SEM (scanning electron microscope), and stereomicroscopy are used for microscopic characterization studies and a universal testing machine (UTM) is employed to perform mechanical characterization. The impact behaviour of these materials is also disclosed using the Charpy impact test. An improvement in the strength and vibrational properties are clearly observed in the FMLs after fibre hybridization, which may be due to improved bonding compatibility in carbon prepregs. The outcome of the research contributes to the advancement of lightweight materials for next-generation aerospace structures.

Abstract: This research paper investigates the impact of Kevlar fiber in Glass Fiber fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite laminates for aerospace applications. The study focuses on a hybrid combination of glass and Kevlar fibers developed through the Vacuum Bagging process. Low-velocity impact tests were conducted according to ASTM D7136 using a 12.7 mm hemispherical impactor at energy levels 10J and 20J with a constant mass of 4.1 kg. The study's objective is to explore the behavior of different impact scenarios resulting from symmetric stacking sequences, including damage mechanisms, peak force, displacement, and energy absorption. The influence of Kevlar on top, followed by Glass at the bottom and vice versa is studied for the different parameters. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the potential advantages of integrating Kevlar fibers into GFRP composite laminates for aerospace applications, enabling improved impact performance and facilitating the choice of appropriate configurations based on desired performance characteristics. The findings contribute to developing lightweight and robust materials for the aerospace industry, ensuring enhanced safety and efficiency for various applications.

Abstract: In this work, nanocomposites Alloy 625-xTiB₂ (x=1.25; 2.5; 3.75; 5.0 wt%) were processed through suction casting. The microstructure and selected properties were analyzed using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. It has been observed that introducing TiB₂ particles into Alloy 625 strongly influences the as-cast microstructure. A dendritic microstructure with irregular distribution of the strengthening precipitates has been revealed. In reference Alloy 625, the Nb-rich carbides and Laves phase precipitates exist in the interdendritic spaces. The TiB₂ interacted with the liquid Alloy 625 during suction casting, leading to microstructural changes like more precipitates in interdendritic spaces including newly formed B-rich phases.