Analysis of mechanical and thermal properties for carbon fiber/ glass fiber reinforced composites with different orientation

Composite materials are increasingly being used in various industries at a growing rate. Recent developments in composite materials have been driven not only by the long-standing needs of the aviation industry but also by numerous new applications in various sectors. In the current era of advanced material science, the importance of using materials with superior properties, including composites, has risen significantly. Continuous glass fiber and carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites are commonly used in industrial manufacturing processes. These parts, produced using hand lay-up and/or vacuum infusion methods, find applications in industries such as marine, energy, aviation, automotive, and more. The reason for their widespread use is their high strength and stiffness values. Additionally, the elasticity/flexibility and force transmission properties exhibited by the polymer matrix provides extra advantages. In this study, composite materials reinforced with continuous glass fiber and continuous carbon fiber, oriented in different directions, were produced in panel form using the vacuum infusion method. The morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of samples taken from these panels were examined. Morphological properties were analyzed using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) while the mechanical properties were determined through tensile, three-point bending, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) tests. Thermal and thermo-mechanical properties were characterized and evaluated using DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), and DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) characterization methods.