Investigation of the mechanical and tribological properties of polymer matrix hybrid composites under different environmental conditions

In this study; eight-layer laminated glass/epoxy (GFRP), carbon/epoxy (CFRP) and glass-carbon epoxy hybrid (GCFRP) composites produced by vacuum assisted resin transfer molding method for 30, 60 and 90 days in artificial seawater, engine oil and diesel fuel environment. The effect of the aging effect on the mechanical and tribological behavior of composite structures was investigated. Tensile, three-point bending, low-speed impact test and compression tests were performed to examine the mechanical strength of the composites. Dry slip wear tests were carried out to examine the tribological behaviors. Considering the mass absorption percentages of the composites aged in different liquid environments, it was calculated that the composites with the highest mass absorption were CFRP composites, and the composites with the lowest mass percent absorption were GFRP composites. It has been determined that composite type carbon/epoxy composites have the highest tensile strength, bending strength and compressive strength in all ambient conditions. The composite type with the highest low-velocity impact strength was glass/epoxy composites. When the tribological behaviors of the composites were examined, it was concluded that the specific wear rate of glass fiber was higher than carbon fiber. It was concluded that while glass-carbon hybrid composites increase tensile strength, compressive strength and low velocity impact strength, they decrease flexural strength. Considering the effects of ambient aging, it was observed that the mechanical and tribological strengths of the composites decreased as the aging time increased. When the conditions of all aging environments are examined, it has been determined that the environment that affects and changes the mechanical strength the most is the seawater aging environment.