Production and characterization of polymer matrix hybrid composites

Composite materials are used in many areas such as aviation, marine, automotive, sports and defense industries due to their advantages. Hybrid composites are obtained by using two or more fibers together in a single matrix. The properties of the composite can be optimized thanks to hybridization. The type, amount, orientation of the fiber used in increasing the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites and the bonding of the fiber and matrix interface are of great importance. In this study, polymer matrix hybrid composite plates (named as (EC)3S, (CE)3S, (CE)3S-PA66) were produced by vacuum infusion method with carbon fiber, glass fiber and polyamide-66 fabric reinforcement in polyester matrix. In addition, the effect of reinforcement materials on the mechanical properties of the produced hybrid polymer composites was investigated. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Charpy impact test, tensile test, three-point bending test, double cantilever beam test (DCB) were applied to evaluate the mechanical properties of the obtained composite plates. According to the test results, it was observed that high strength carbon fibers being parallel to the load direction had a positive effect on tensile strength; glass fibers being perpendicular to the impact direction increased the impact strength. Glass fibers being more resistant to compressive stress increased the strength in the three-point bending test being perpendicular to the load direction. According to the dynamic mechanical analysis results, it was observed that carbon fibers being parallel to the production direction increased the storage modulus. While an increase was obtained in interlayer fracture toughness and impact strength values with the addition of PA66 fabric, a decrease was observed in other properties. While balanced properties were obtained with the production of the produced hybrid composites, it would be possible to gain cost.