Improved double impact and flexural performance of hybridized glass basalt fiber reinforced composite with graphene nanofiller for lighter aerostructures

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable, lightweight yet rigid and cost-effective materials for airplane construction served as the impetus for this work. An E-glass fiber (400 GSM) is layered in a 6:2 ratio with natural basalt fiber and infused with graphene nanoparticles to produce a more appealing 40% lighter hybrid composite of 1.1 mm thickness for the aviation industry. Samples of hybrid composites with 1% and 2% graphene-to-fiber filler weight ratios are used. Then, using ASTM standard analysis tools, the damage that is caused on toughened laminates during low-velocity drop weight impact tests, tensile, 3-point bending, and Compression After Impact(CAI) is evaluated. The composites' tensile strength, flexural strength, low-velocity double impact, and compression impact strength all significantly improved at 2 wt% graphene, increasing by 37%, 55%, 56%, and 78%, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope analysis of the damaged area demonstrated the presence of important toughening mechanisms, such as damage confinement through microcracks and improved fiber-matrix bonding. It has been established that adding an optimum blend of graphene and basalt to Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer(GFRP) results in an unprecedented increase in effective strength with reduced weight.

Keywords

• Glass/basalt hybrid composite
• Graphene nanofiller
• Low-velocity double impact
• Flexural strength
• Lighter aero structure