ENHANCED IMPACT RESISTANCE OF HYBRID COMPOSITES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF UD CARBON AND GLASS FIBER REINFORCED LAMINATES

This study investigates the Charpy impact strength of unidirectional (UD) carbon fiber, unidirectional (UD) glass fiber, and hybrid composite materials. The results revealed distinct differences in their energy absorption capacities and fracture behaviors. Carbon fiber composites exhibited brittle fractures and low energy absorption, while glass fiber composites displayed significant deformation without a complete fracture, absorbing more energy. The hybrid laminate showed enhanced impact strength, absorbing nearly one-third more energy than the carbon fiber counterpart, and offering a balanced performance improvement through fiber hybridization. Statistical analysis confirmed that the improvement in impact performance among the tested groups was significant. Microscopic analysis of the damaged specimens revealed different damage modes: glass fibers exhibited deformation and mode I delamination, while carbon fibers showed brittle fractures and extensive delamination. Hybrid specimens displayed a combination of damage modes, enhancing their overall impact resistance. These findings demonstrate the potential of hybrid composites for applications requiring balanced mechanical properties, particularly impact resistance. The hybridization method allows for the integration of carbon fibers' high strength with glass fibers' superior impact resistance, enhancing material performance under sudden impact conditions. Future research should focus on optimizing the hybridization process and exploring additional fiber combinations for enhanced material properties.