Optimal Replacement of Glass Fabric with Carbon Fabric in Epoxy Matrix Composite

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the optimum replacement of glass fabric with carbon fabric in epoxy matrix composites, focusing on achieving comparable mechanical properties while reducing manufacturing costs. The glass and carbon fabric-reinforced epoxy matrix hybrid composites are prepared with varying hybrid ratios of reinforcements (ratio of carbon fabric to total fabric) using the vacuum pump-assist hand lay-up technique. The composite samples are made in the shape of a plate. To analyze the tensile and flexural strengths of the fabricated composite samples, they are cut into corresponding dimensions as per ASTM standards. The effect of varying sequences of laminas and numbers of glass fabric and carbon fabric laminas on the mechanical properties of the composite is studied and compared, respectively. The improvements of 53.82% and 98.67% in the tensile strength and flexural strength, respectively, are noticed with an increment of the hybrid ratio from 0 to 1. The obtained results of the composites with various hybrid ratios can be used to select an optimal flexural strength as well as tensile strength in relation to a specific application and cost.