The Effects of Hybridisation of Composites Consisting of Aramid, Carbon, and Hemp Fibres in a Quasi-Static Penetration Test

Abstract

The quasi-static penetration properties of hybrid laminates were experimentally investigated. Aramid fabrics, carbon fabrics, and short hemp fibres were applied as the reinforcements of hybrid and non-hybrid composite laminates with polyurethane–polyurea (PUR/PUA) matrix. The laminates were made by hand, in a mould. They were cured at room temperature for 24 h. Hybrid laminates consisted of aramid and carbon layers in two different configurations, i.e., aramid at the innermost layers and outermost layers. Aramid/PUR/PUA and carbon/PUR/PUA composites were fabricated for comparison purposes. Laminates were also prepared via an analogue sequence of laying the reinforcement layers with the addition of 5% by weight of hemp fibres in the PUR/PUA matrix. Quasi-static penetration tests (QSPT) were conducted using a tensile testing machine with a surface-hardened, hemispherical, steel punch (9 mm diameter tip), reflecting the geometry of the Parabellum projectile. A quasi-static puncture test was carried out until the laminate was perforated. The ratio between the support span (Ds) and the punch diameter (Dp) was SPR = Ds/Dp = 5.0. The results showed the influences of laminate hybridisation on the values of absorbed energy, punch shear strength, and damage mechanism in the QSPT test. The addition of hemp fibres to aramid laminates resulted in a positive hybridisation effect. The order of layers of aramid and carbon fabrics in hybrid laminates influenced the results obtained in the QSPT test.

Keywords

• hybrid composites
• laminates
• polymer-matrix composites
• quasi-static penetration test
• ballistic composites