INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF KEVLAR/E-GLASS AND BASALT/E-GLASS REINFORCED HYBRID COMPOSITES

Composite materials are preferred as an alternate for traditional metals due to its admirable properties like chemically inactive nature, high strength to weight ratio, ease of fabrication and capability of tailoring into the required shape. In order to apprehend the feasibility of Kevlar/E-glass and basalt/E-glass reinforced epoxy hybrid composites, this paper studies the low- velocity impact and flexural behavior and electrical conductivity of the composite laminates. Bend and impact test specimens were prepared as per ASTM 790 standard (80mm X 13mm X 3mm) and ASTM D256, ASTM D6110 standards respectively. The proportion of fiber and matrix material (75:25) is considered as an important factor for obtaining better flexural modulus. Izod and Charpy tests reveal that higher fiber volume fraction results in higher energy absorption. The hybrid composite combinations showed better electrical conductivity.