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Highlights In this paper, the mechanical properties, damage modes, and bolt load distribution of the bonded‐bolted hybrid three‐bolt joint were investigated by a combination of experiments and numerical simulations. Acoustic emission (AE) was used to monitor the tensile process of the connection in real time, and the K‐means clustering algorithm was used to realize the cluster analysis of the damage modes. A numerical simulation model of the tensile process of the joint was established using ABAQUS simulation software. The progressive damage evolution of composite laminates, and adhesive layer was characterized by using the VUMAT subroutine, the B‐K failure criterion, and cohesive element with zero thickness, respectively. The results show that four main damage modes occur in composite laminates during tension: matrix cracking, delamination, fiber pull‐out, and fiber breakage, with corresponding peak frequency ranges of (0–80 kHz), (80–210 kHz), (210–330 kHz), and (330–375 kHz), respectively. The adhesive layer between the laminates mainly exhibits peeling failure because of the secondary bending effect. In the load‐bearing process, the adhesive layer was loaded first and failed, and the bolt loading was delayed. Meanwhile, the results of bolt load distribution showed that the bolts and the adhesive layer at both ends carried greater loads. Damage modes and damage evolution of the bonded‐bolted hybrid joint in tension were analyzed by combining acoustic emission technology and numerical simulation. The simulation of delamination damage in composite laminates was carried out by inserting zero‐thickness cohesive elements into the laminates, and the delamination damage between the carbon fiber layup and the adjacent glass fiber layup was analyzed. The effect of the inclusion of the adhesive layer on the mechanical properties of the joint and the distribution of the bolt load was analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experimental study assesses the mechanical properties of glass/carbon/glass hybrid composite laminates after being exposed to moisture in a deep freezer and elevated temperatures for extended periods. The top and bottom layers of the hybrid laminates are reinforced with glass fibre, and the middle layer is reinforced with carbon fibre using the epoxy matrix as a binder polymer material. The hybrid laminates were manufactured using the resin transfer moulding method, and their compressive and tensile properties were determined using a tensile testing machine. The storage modulus, loss modulus, and damping factors of all groups of laminates were identified using a dynamic mechanical analysis as a function of temperature and vibration frequency. The experimental results on compressive and tensile properties revealed slight variations when the hybrid laminates were kept at low temperatures in a deep freezer for extended periods. This might occur due to the increasing molecular crosslinking of the polymer network. As the testing temperature increased, compressive, tensile, storage modules, loss modulus, and damping factors decreased. This might occur due to the increasing mobility of the binder material. Particularly, the highest stiffness parameters were obtained at −80 °C/GCG (glass/carbon/glass) laminates due to the presence of a beta transition in the glassy region. The relationships between the glass transitions and the targeted frequencies were characterized. The values of the glass transition shift towards higher temperatures as the frequency increases. This might occur due to a reduction in the gaps between the crosslinking of the epoxy network when the frequency increases. The accuracy of the storage modulus results was compared with the empirical models. The model based on the Arrhenius law provided the closest correlation. Meanwhile, another model was observed that was not accurate enough to predict when gamma and beta relaxations occur in a glassy state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the hybridization effect on the perforation threshold of Low-Velocity Impact (LVI) in thermoplastic glass composite laminates, incorporating layers of resin-impregnated stainless-steel mesh. Reinforcing methodologies such as hybridization are recently being adopted as a practical approach to increasing the energy-absorbing capacity of polymer composites. In the current paper, a multi-step hot press lamination method has been employed to fabricate the hybrid composite laminates strengthened with stainless-steel mesh layers. Several stacking sequences, metal mesh wire sizes, orientation and position relative to the impactor have been examined under various LVI energies. It was revealed that the LVI penetration energy was increased for the thermoplastic-based composite laminates reinforced with stainless-steel mesh layers. Furthermore, the LVI penetration energy threshold was significantly influenced by the metal mesh wire size, orientation and stacking sequence. Finally, the backlight method capability was assessed to detect the after-impact interlaminar damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the influence of kevlar and glass fiber reinforcements on the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy/vinyl ester (hybrid resin) composite. The hybrid resin was synthesized by achieving an interpenetrating network between epoxy and vinyl ester. The composites were characterized using tensile, flexural, impact, and thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA). Scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyze surface morphology whereas Fourier‐Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR) was used to investigate the possible interaction between the constituents of the composites. The findings have shown a notable improvement in the mechanical properties after the hybridization of the resin. For reference, the tensile strength of glass/hybrid resin and kevlar/hybrid resin composites were observed to increase by 8.33% and 23.65%, as compared to glass/epoxy and kevlar epoxy composites respectively, whereas, the bending strength of these composites was improved by 8.36% and 30.61%, respectively. TGA also showed an enhanced thermal stability of the hybrid resin‐based composites. Such improvements are noticed due to multi‐resin incorporation (the oxirane group of epoxy reacts with the hydroxyl group of vinyl ester), confirmed by the FTIR, TGA, and morphological analysis. This study signifies that the proposed hybrid composites are better in terms of strength and modulus relative to conventional metallic materials. Highlights: The paper presents the development of novel hybrid resin, reinforced with synthetic fibers.Hybrid resin is imparted positively and is highly favorable in improving the mechanical properties of composites.The tensile strength of novel composites is increased by 8.33% and 23.65% relative to their base specimens, and a similar trend is observed in flexural and impact analysis.Fractured analysis showed that composite laminates deteriorated more intensely due to cohesive matrix fracture; adhesion failure was not observed at all, as evidenced by the emergence of micro‐cracks in resin.Developed novel composites exhibited maximum thermal stability; residual char in glass/epoxy/vinyl‐ester composite attained 17.81% higher, whereas kevlar/epoxy/vinyl‐ester achieved 3.56% relative to glass/epoxy and kevlar/epoxy base samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the flexural failure properties of a hybrid laminate beam subjected to three-point bending. A symmetrically laminated hybrid beam is constructed using high-strain and inexpensive glass fibre on the top layers and low-strain and expensive carbon fiber on the middle layers. Classical lamination plate theory is used to find the stress and strain distribution that occurs due to the bending moment on the compressive side. The theoretical failure limits of the laminated hybrid beam are analyzed considering the targeted span-to-depth ratios, volume fractions of the fibers and hybrid ratios using the Tsai-Wu failure criterion and Matlab codes. Using the graph of failure index versus hybrid ratios, the minimum thickness of carbon fiber needed for the delay of failure and cost efficiency of the laminated hybrid beam is identified by applying the linear interpolation method. The numerical results indicate that the failure index increases with the increasing loading span and decreases when the volume fraction of fiber increases. In particular, the placement of glass fiber on the top layer of the laminated hybrid beam might have contributed to obtaining higher strains and curvatures before the catastrophic failure properties of carbon fiber. The flexural stiffness of the laminates is found to increase when the hybrid ratio increases. Overall, it is noted that the theoretical analysis is one method that is less time-consuming and cost-effective than other alternative approaches, such as finite element methods and experimental tests to estimate the minimum thickness of high-stiffness and the expensive material needed to maintain the strength and stiffness of the hybrid composite structures over long periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, fiber stacks are extensively used in the aircraft and structural component manufacturing industries. It is mainly due to their excellent mechanical and physiochemical performances. The different stacking sequences of fiber materials expand the structural properties due to high-strength carbon fiber and low-cost glass fiber. The fragile and anisotropic conduct of Carbon (Cf) and Glass (Gf) laminates generates different types of complex machining issues. This article focuses on the Drilling test of Carbon/glass fiber hybrid composites using different stacking sequences. The effect of varying stacking orders is explored in this study to identify a feasible composite. The control of varying constraints, namely, spindle speed (N), feed rate (f), and stacking sequence (SS) of carbon (Cf) and glass fiber (Gf) reinforcement, is performed to achieve the optimal parametric condition. The finding reveals that sample A (C4G4) stacking sequence provides an acceptable value for thrust force 59.05 N and delamination 1.0001 for high drilling efficiency. The stacking technique of carbon/glass layers can be endorsed to the manufacturing sector for cost-effective composite development and a defect-free machining environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, four layered Palmyra-Palm-Leaf-Stalk (PPLSF)/Glass hybrid composites laminates with six distinct stacking orders were made by following hand lay-up method. Different experiments were carried out to determine the tensile, flexural, impact and hardness of the laminates as per ASTM standard. The results reveal that the addition of glass fiber to PPLSF significantly enhanced the mechanical performance of the laminates. On successive replacement of PPLSF by glass fiber, an enhancement of properties such as 291.39% for tensile strength, 72.08% for flexural strength, 75.82% for impact strength, and 78.44% for micro-hardness was observed. Again, it is also noticed that the stacking order plays an important role in influencing the properties while comparing experimental finding of laminates with equal weight percentages PPLSF and glass fiber. Further to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a 3D CAD model of tensile and flexural specimen was created in space-claim modeler of ANSYS R19.0 and subsequently imported to generate numerical predicted values. While comparing the numerical and experimental results, there was very good agreement among the results was found. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used for fractography analysis of the tested samples to examine the different mode of failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to produce bidirectional woven carbon/glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites and to assess their fracture toughness (FT) and low‐velocity impact strength. The composites were produced for the study by changing the stacking order of fiber layers using a vacuum assisted resin infusion process. In addition, the consequence of halloysite nano‐clay addition on the above properties were explored. The outcomes disclosed that the arrangement of fiber layer notably influences the FT and low‐velocity impact strength of the composites. Particularly, the addition of more carbon fiber layers played a key role in enhancing the FT of hybrid composites, while a reverse trend was observed for low‐velocity impact strength of composites due to the elastic nature of glass fibers, which absorbs more energy through global deformation. Additionally, the incorporation of halloysites enhanced the FT and impact strength of hybrid composites due to increased interfacial adhesion between composite elements. In addition, morphological analysis was conducted to evaluate the damage morphologies and failure mechanisms of tested laminates, which offers crucial information for the structural design of these laminates as well as for the enhancement of their performance. Highlights: Fracture toughness and impact strength of hybrid composites were investigated.Arranging carbon fibers on the extreme layers enhanced the fracture toughness.Glass fiber used in hybrid composite supports to increase their impact strength.Addition of halloysite improved the overall performance of hybrid composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The screw pine and E-glass fibers were hybridized in the vinyl ester resin matrix to prepare the hybrid composite laminates in the present communication. Hybrid composite laminates at the constant volume fraction of 35.12% has been fabricated using the hot press compression molding in two forms, namely dispersed and skin-core, to evaluate the mechanical properties. Mechanical properties of composite laminates were studied based on the various volume fraction of glass fiber content (0, 3.32, 8.15, 12.44 and 16.53 vol.%). The scanning electron microscopy (HITACHI S-3000N) was used to study the fracture surface of composite laminates. The results of hybrid composite laminates were compared with a neat resin sample and screw pine fiber (35.12 vol.%) alone composite. The results revealed that the mechanical properties of both the type of composite laminates increased as glass fiber addition was increased. The SPF18.59/GF16.53 hybrid composite laminate exhibits the highest level of mechanical properties because of the concentration and higher elongation percentage of glass fibers. Moreover, the skin-core type composites perform better than those of the dispersed type hybrid composites. Because of the stretching nature of screw pine fibers, they elongate when the load is transferred from glass fibers to screw pine fibers, resulting in an increase in mechanical properties. The property values were predicted using a theoretical model, and it was found that the two were in good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, hybridization of natural-synthetic fibers within a polymeric matrix has received wide attention owing to its promising properties. This study investigated the mechanical properties of interply and intraply hybrid jute (J)-glass (G) fiber/epoxy composites. The mechanical properties (i.e., tensile, flexural, and impact) of the pure jute, pure glass, and their hybrid composites were evaluated. The prepared composite samples consisted of five plies of woven fabrics. Interply hybrid composites comprised three layering sequences: G3JG, GJGJG, and 2GJ2G. Intraply hybrid composites of similar co-woven plies were fabricated by either the alternative replacement of a single glass yarn with a single jute yarn (G1J1) or two jute yarns (G1J2). The results showed that increasing the glass fraction in the interply hybrid composites improved their tensile properties. The two intraply hybrid composites provided almost similar tensile moduli, while the tensile strength of the G1J1 samples was approximately 41% higher than that of the G1J2 counterparts. The maximum flexural properties were provided by 2GJ2G composites, followed by GJGJG, and they were interestingly higher than those of pure glass composites. The G1J1 intraply hybrid composites offered a higher flexural strength and a lower flexural modulus than those provided by the pure glass composites. Compared to the pure glass composites, the impact strengths of the 2GJ2G and GJGJG samples decreased by 4% and 16%, respectively. In summary, the GJGJG hybrid composites exhibited the highest specific tensile, flexural, and impact properties compared to the other hybrid composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) laminates have been widely used in engineering applications in recent decades. This is mainly due to their superior mechanical properties compared to single-phase materials. High strength-to-weight ratio, high stiffness, and excellent corrosion and fatigue resistance are some of the attractive properties of these materials. In large structures, drilling composite panels is a typical operation to assemble different parts with mechanical fasteners. This operation severely threatens the quality of the holes and, therefore, the joint strength. This study aims to study the wear evolution of two drill bits manufactured with different coatings processes (chemical vapor deposition and physical vapor deposition) and their influence on the quality of the holes. A carbon/glass fiber sandwich structure was selected as the workpiece, and a high-speed machine center was used to drill 1403 holes per tool in the laminates. The wear analysis of the tool was characterized in terms of flank wear and crater wear. For the delamination analysis caused by drilling, two types of delamination are identified (type I and II), and their values were quantified through the equivalent delamination factor (Fed). The results showed that, in general, the process used to apply the coating to the tool influences the wear mode and the delamination damage. The first tool, diamond coated with Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), showed more severe crater wear in the flank face and coating loss at the end of the cutting edges. However, with a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating process, the second tool presented flank wear more controlled but a more severe coating loss and edge rounding near the tip, producing further delamination. Using a supporting plate showed a reduction of delamination type I but not for delamination type II, which is related to edge rounding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the mechanical and morphological characterization of bamboo-glass fiber-nanoclay epoxy hybrid composites is carried out. Materials are prepared using a hand lay-up process with different wt.% of bamboo fiber, glass fiber, nanoclay, and epoxy. As per ASTM standards, fabricated composite laminates are cut and tested for tensile and flexural properties. The bamboo fiber epoxy composites (BFEC) display the tensile and flexural strength of 137 and 170 MPa, respectively. Hybrid composites, viz. bamboo-glass fibers epoxy composites (BGFEC), display improved tensile (180–240 MPa) and flexural (225 to 320 MPa) strengths compared to BFECs. Glass fiber epoxy composites (GFEC) display maximum tensile (265 MPa) and flexural (360 MPa) strengths among all the composites. Furthermore, the addition of nanoclay improves the tensile (by 6 to 8%) and flexural (by 8 to 10%) strengths of epoxy, BFEC, BGFEC, and GFECs. SEM analysis is conducted for fractured tensile specimens to understand the reasons for specimen failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study concentrates on the mechanical, morphological, water absorption and burning behavior of hemp/E‐glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites (FRHC). The surface adhesive characteristics of the acquired bi‐directional hemp fiber mats were enhanced by treating them with an alkali solution. Furthermore, the present work extends to identify the effects of two 2‐dimensional graphene and MXene nanoparticles as filler on the hardness, flexural and tensile behavior as well as water absorption and flammability characteristics of the FRHC. The glass fiber (G), hemp fiber (H), and hemp/glass (G/H) fiber reinforced epoxy LY556 laminates were fabricated by using the hand lay‐up method followed by the vacuum bagging approach. A 30% and 12% increase in the flexural and tensile strength of the H/G hybrid composite has been observed by adding 1% of graphene as an additional reinforcement compared with the neat FRHC. However, the use of MXene as additional reinforcements shows 45% and 10% enhancement in the flexural and tensile strength of the H/G hybrid composite. In addition, the water absorption capacity of MXene‐filled G/H hybrid composites is found to be almost half of that filled with graphene. Similarly, the flammability results reveal that the burning rate of graphene‐reinforced H/G hybrid composite is 17.44 mm/min. When comparing the mechanical, water absorption, and flammability characteristics of graphene and MXene‐reinforced G/H hybrid composites, graphene gives more intensifying results than MXene. The scanning electron microscopic studies are also incorporated to investigate the fractured surface topography of the FRHC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the response of composite hybrid laminates made of carbon and glass fibers in different stacking configurations was tested under low-velocity impact loads. Experimental drop impact tests were conducted on three different stacking sequences and three rising impact energy levels. The results from the tests were assumed for the development and validation of a numerical impact model reproducing for each stacking sequence and all the impact energy levels, the laminates impact response. The validated model investigated the occurred damage mechanisms, their distribution in the panel thickness and their extension on the plane of the laminate. Depending on the stacking sequence and the impact energy level, the energy absorption capacity was related to the dominant damage mechanism. The percentage contribution of interlaminar and intralaminar damages was presented and conclusions were drawn about the influence of stacking sequences on energy absorption and damage characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two different type of glass and carbon fiber hybrid laminates were manufactured using a low‐viscosity thermoplastic resin that is, Elium®. A detailed microstructure visualization study was conducted using X‐ray computed tomography (XCT) analysis. The viscoelastic properties were examined through dynamic mechanical analysis. The mechanical performance was investigated through flexural and tensile tests along with a fractographic study using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The XCT analysis revealed a weak interface between the Elium® resin and the glass fabric, with glass fiber specimens exhibiting a void content of 1.24%, in contrast to the carbon fiber specimens which showed void content of only 0.28%. Therefore, adding glass fabric layers in the hybrid laminates increased the void content, which had a negative impact on the overall mechanical performance. The average flexural strength of the hybrid specimen having G2C4G2 stacking sequence was observed to be 254% higher than pure GFRPC specimens. Similarly, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the same hybrid specimen showed 155% and 380% increases, respectively, compared to the GFRPC specimens. This increase was primarily due to higher stiffness of the carbon fibers and their better fiber – matrix interface. Whereas the tensile strain of the hybrid specimen having G3C2G3 stacking sequence was 37% higher than that of the CFRPC specimens. The SEM images highlighted fiber fracture and brittle failure modes in the carbon fiber specimens, in contrast to fiber pullout, interfacial failure, poor fiber‐matrix bonding and ductile failure modes in the glass fiber specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new hybrid fabrication technique was introduced to manufacture composite laminates made of glass fiber, carbon fiber, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) as the matrix. The fabrication process utilized two different techniques: fused deposition modeling and hot press molding. The composite laminates were produced using five layers of glass fibers to form glass fiber-reinforced composites (GF/ABS) and five layers of glass fiber and carbon fiber to form glass fiber, carbon fiber-reinforced hybrid composites (GF/CF/ABS), with three layers of glass fibers and two layers of carbon fibers. The fabricated composite laminates were subjected to wear testing at velocities of 2 m/s, 3 m/s, and 4 m/s and under loads of 5 N and 10 N. The results indicated that GF/ABS samples had the lowest wear loss at 5 N and a velocity of 4 m/s. Additionally, the GF/CF/ABS hybrid samples had the lowest coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.28 at 4 m/s. The GF/ABS samples also exhibited the lowest friction force of 1.7 at 5 N and a velocity of 4 m/s. The worn samples were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope to examine the fiber-to-matrix adhesion behavior. GF/ABS and GF/CF/ABS composites are widely used in various applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to wear. These materials could be used in automotive parts, sporting goods, and marine applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study focuses on the investigation of the synergetic effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the flexural properties, hardness and water absorption characteristics of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminated composite materials. The laminated composite materials were fabricated with various configuration of filler reinforcements using vacuum assisted hand lay-up technique. Further, micromechanical analysis was performed using Halpin-Tsai model to investigate the synergistic effect of CNT/GNP hybrid glass fiber reinforced epoxy nanocomposites. It was observed that the CNT and GNP reinforced hybrid composite exhibited highest value of flexural strength and hardness; the respective values being 38% and 29% higher in comparison to the neat epoxy composite. Furthermore, among GNP and CNT, the composite containing former reinforcement exhibited better mechanical properties. The composites containing nanoparticles also exhibited better water uptake characteristic, where the weight gain for hybrid composite was 1.004%, whereas, for neat epoxy composite, the weight gain was 1.210%. This was attributed to the ability of nanofillers to restrict the intermolecular movement of the surrounding GFRP composites, which delays the relaxation of polymer chains, thereby reducing the diffusion of tiny molecules through the composites. It was also observed that the addition of GNPs has a strong effect on the elastic properties of the hybrid glass fiber reinforced epoxy nanocomposite than the addition of CNTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling and Methods: This work is devoted to the numerical dynamic bending characterization of delaminated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced epoxy/glass fiber-based hybrid composite plate based on finite element method with displacement fields derived from classical laminated plate theory (CLPT). Verification: The accuracy and performance of the developed method were confirmed by a validation study with reference solutions available in the literature. Results: Various parametric studies were carried out to study the influence of MWCNTs content, delamination location, delamination interface, ply orientation, and end condition on the dynamic bending characteristics of the intact and delaminated hybrid laminated composite plate. Conclusion: The weight fraction of MWCNTs, delamination location, and clamping condition significantly influences the natural frequency. The natural frequencies also depended upon the ply configuration and delamination interface irrespective of the MWCNT loadings. However, anomalous trends were observed as far as the influence of end conditions is concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid laminated composites are attracting a lot of attention these days. Indeed, mixing natural and synthetic fabrics in the same matrix completely exploits the components' greatest properties. However, it has been proven that the use of particles such as clays increases the material performance. Hence, the aim of this study is to produce a new hybrid laminated composite system using the hand lay-up method and compression molding techniques. For this, a layering sequence of plain-woven jute fabrics and different architecture of E-Glass fibers (matt and plain-woven roving fabrics with different grammage) were selected to strengthen a polyester resin modified with a tiny amount of clays. The effects of hybridization, layering sequence, and weaving architecture were evaluated by means of mechanical tests. The dispersion and distribution of the charges in the polymeric matrix were also investigated by studying the material rheological properties. We conclude that the proposed hybridization may result in an optimal, superior, and cost-effective laminated composite that fits all the requirements of a given structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composite is continuously developing. Natural fibers from flora have received considerable attention from researchers because their use in biobased composites is safe and sustainable for the environment. Natural fibers that mixed with Carbon Fiber and or Glass Fiber are low-cost, lightweight, and biodegradable and have lower environmental influences than metal-based materials. This study highlights and comprehensively reviews the natural fibers utilized as reinforcements in polyester composites, including jute, bamboo, sisal, kenaf, flax, and banana. The properties of composite materials consisting of natural and synthetic fibers, such as tensile strength, flexural strength, fatigue, and hardness, are investigated in this study. This paper aims to summarize, classify, and collect studies related to the latest composite hybrid science consisting of natural and synthetic fibers and their applications. Furthermore, this paper includes but is not limited to preparation, mechanism, characterization, and evaluation of hybrid composite laminates in different methods and modes. In general, natural fiber composites produce a larger volume of composite, but their strength is weaker than GFRP/CFRP even with the same number of layers. The use of synthetic fibers combined with natural fibers can provide better strength of hybrid composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fiber composites (NFC) exhibit good specific mechanical properties in comparison to synthetic fiber composites (SFC). The study investigates interlaminar glass (G) fiber hybridized jute (J) and flax (F) reinforced epoxy composites designated as JGGJ, GJJG, FGGF, and GFFG along with their virgin counterparts. Composite laminates of four plies are manufactured by hand-layup followed by compression molding to investigate tensile, flexural, and interlaminar shear properties. Further the effect of hybridization is also investigated for modal frequencies and damping ratio obtained from experimental modal analysis. Glass fiber hybridization as extreme layers shows significant improvement in flexural and shear properties as compared to tensile. Glass fiber reinforcement, as core layers improve the damping by 155.55% and 101.31% for JGGJ and FGGF, respectively, over pure glass epoxy. However with increase in bending stiffness of GJJG and GFFG, the bending modal frequency is improved. Also, the modal frequency and damping ratio increases following a power-law variation with a decrease in the free length. Finite element and analytical validations are presented to the experimental frequencies and flexural modulus, respectively. These studied hybrid composites can serve as semi-structural members like interior trim panels in automotive applications that possess significant strength and dissipate in-service vibrations effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to environmental issues and high cost of synthetic fibers, natural or cellulosic fibers have emerged as a promising reinforcement for polymer composites. The hybridization of natural fiber with synthetic fiber is a useful technique to improve the mechanical properties instead of using the natural fibers alone. This research aims to evaluate the influence of glass fiber hybridization on the mechanical properties of continuous, unidirectional, alkali (NaOH)‐treated kenaf‐epoxy composites. At first, the effect of treatment of various concentrations (3, 5, 7, and 9% w/v) of NaOH on the structure of single kenaf fiber was characterized using XRD, SEM, FTIR, and tensile testing. At the optimum 5% alkali concentration the tensile strength, modulus, and %elongation of the kenaf fibers were enhanced by 81%, 114%, and 42%, respectively. The effect of hybridization of 5% NaOH treated kenaf along with glass fiber on the improvement in tensile, flexural, and impact properties for hand laid kenaf‐glass‐epoxy hybrid composite laminates was established. The overall matrix to fiber weight ratio of five different layup sequence laminates was maintained constant at 70:30. It can be concluded from the obtained results that the 15% glass and 15% kenaf fiber hybridized composites exhibited the maximum increment in tensile strength and modulus (68.5% and 19.5%, respectively) in comparison to the unhybridized composites. Further, the flexural strength and modulus were also improved by 21% and 67%, respectively, and the impact strength by 153%. The SEM fractography proved that alkali treatment of fibers improved the fiber‐matrix interfacial bonding whereas fiber breakage, fiber pull‐out and debonding were established as the main fracture mechanisms of hybrid composites. The findings of the present investigation on kenaf‐glass hybrid composites corroborate that they are suitable for secondary structural applications in construction and automobile sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present study, a high‐performance structural epoxy biocomposite has been prepared and characterized for its mechanical, wear, and fatigue behavior. The main aim of this research was to determine the effect of fiber stacking order and the biosilica addition in the epoxy hybrid composite when it is subjected to external loading. The research also focused on how the surface treatment process on fiber and particle affects the mechanical, wear, and fatigue behavior of composite. The biosilica particles were synthesized from black rice husks and then surface treated with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Similarly, a base treatment was applied to fiber mats and the composite laminates for this investigation were fabricated by hand layup process. It is noted that the composite designations E12 and E22 exhibited an improved tensile strength of 58, 62% and flexural strength of 45, 51% for 1.0 vol% biosilica in both staking sequence models. Similarly, in inter‐laminar shear strength the composites E2, E21 and E22 outperformed than E1, E11, and E12. In terms of Izod impact toughness and hardness, composite designation E22 provides maximum increment of about 94% and 5%. The wear resistance of composite E22 exhibited lower wear loss and COF. The highest fatigue life count of 41,782 was observed for the composite designation E22 in tension‐tension fatigue mode. Overall the stacking order R/A/G/A/R gives better results than others. These load bearing properties enhanced hybrid composites might be employed in structural, industrial, automotive, home appliance, defense, and lightweight industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steel fiber is the most common metal fiber used due to its cost‐effectiveness, high performance, and availability despite its heavyweight. This study is an attempt to evaluate the mechanical properties of steel/glass fiber and steel/basalt fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites. The symmetric hybrid laminates were produced by replacing the innermost 1, 2, 3, and 4 layers of steel fiber (200 mesh size) with basalt and glass fiber layers. The specimens were subjected to tensile, flexural, and Charpy impact tests in accordance with relevant ASTM standards. Moreover, fracture surfaces were analyzed, and the micrographs were obtained using a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that a high improvement in tensile strength was achieved with BS1–E (1 layer steel mesh–8 layers basalt) and GS1–E (1 layer steel mesh–8 layers glass) hybrid composites, with an increase of 528% and 233%, respectively, compared to steel fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Similarly, BS1–E and GS1–E hybrid composites showed the highest flexural strength increase of 82.2% and 66.8%, respectively, compared to steel fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Consequently, the potential to hybridize steel fiber with glass fiber and basalt fiber could create new materials with unique physical structures and synergistic effects on mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, an attempt is made to replace the synthetic glass fiber used in the FRP structures in terms of natural flax fibers without much sacrifice on static and dynamic stability of the structure. Three types of glass/flax hybrid composite laminates were prepared with different fiber volume fraction of glass and flax fibers. For better understanding purpose, a dedicated glass and dedicated flax laminates were also fabricated. All the laminates were fabricated by vacuum bag molding method with uniform laminate thickness. The mechanical properties of the fabricated laminates, such as tensile strength and flexural strength, were evaluated in accordance with ASTM standards. The impulse excitation technique was used to assess the free vibration characteristics of glass/flax laminates such as modal frequency and material damping. Based on experimentally evaluated mechanical and vibration characteristics a suitable fiber volume fraction for the preferred laminate thickness was suggested to achieve optimum static and dynamic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation focuses on developing cost-effective Carbon/Glass/Kevlar fiber-reinforced polymer hybrid composite laminates for achieving its synergistic effect on flexural and impact performance. It investigates the effect of stacking sequence induced by the use of different fiber types (Kevlar = K, glass = G, and carbon = C) on the flexural and impact performance of the composites. Five hybrid composites (labelled as A = [G2K3G2], B = [KG2CG2K], C = [CKGCGKC], D = [CGKCKGC], E = [CK2CK2C]) and three plain (i.e., non-hybrid) composites (F = [K]7, G = [G]7, H = [C]7) have been fabricated through manual pre-preg lay-up manufacturing techniques. The flexural strength and modulus, hardness, and Izod impact strength have been evaluated for the fabricated composites and compared. The results showed that the D-type hybrid composite achieves the maximum positive hybrid effect as compared to other hybrid composites, possesses a hardness of 59 BHN, a flexural strength of 380 MPa, and modulus of 36 GPa, and impact strength of 80 KJ/m2. The fracture surfaces of the hybrid composite specimen have been analysed using scanning electron microscopy, and compared against the properties achieved for enabling correlations. Furthermore, the cost-efficiency of the hybridization in terms of flexural strength/cost, modulus/cost, and impact strength/cost ratio were evaluated for potential engineering and design applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current global trends demand the replacement of synthetic fibres with natural fibres in polymeric composites. The present work makes use of Prosopis juliflora, a plant that is a threat to the environment as a partial replacement in a hybrid composite. Individual Prosopis juliflora fibres are added to matrices at ratios of 12, 6, 9 and 8 wt % and glass fibres are added discretely at ratios of 28, 24, 21 and 32 wt % into matrices as well. The composites are prepared with four different combinations and tested in terms of the mechanical benefits and water absorption performance. This work exploits the mechanical advantage of impact energy in addition to producing Prosopis juliflora particles, fibre glass mats, and resin appropriate for structural uses. Water absorption tests are conducted for four different compositions. Among the four samples, sample 3 (9 wt % Prosopis juliflora fibres and 21 wt % glass fibres) has a higher rate of water absorption than the others, although sample 2 (6 wt % Prosopis juliflora fibres and 24 wt % glass fibres) has a lower rate. The difference in the quantity of water absorption between the hybrid composites can be attributed to the weight percentage of fibres. On the other hand, sample 1 (12 wt % Prosopis juliflora fibres and 28 wt % glass fibres) is reported to have absorbed 2.6 J of energy in the impact strength test. The increase in impact strength is attributed to the increase in the weight percentage of glass fibres. A scanning electron microscope is employed to study the fractured surfaces of the composites. This study shows that the developed hybrid composite could be employed in structural and automotive applications because of its improved impact strength and water resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates and presents the upshots observed in the brook of hybrid composites especially, the current investigation focuses on the impact of fiber composition, sequence, and stacking pattern on composite mechanical Features. Five varied stacking sequences of hybrid composites encompassing laminates are used to create four classes of fiber with jute/bamboo/glass by utilizing a conscientious hand lay-up process with glass fiber-laced mats as their peripheral layer. For examination, fiber sequences are arranged in the combination of GJBJG, GBJBG, GJGJG, and GBGBG, where G, J, and B refer to glass fiber, jute fiber, and bamboo fiber, respectively. The position of fiber in the core layer is kept in a perpendicular direction with respect to adjacent piles which might be jute or bamboo fiber and the best position of fiber is considered due to the stacking order. Stress and strain were linear in the load versus deflection curves, and all of the samples failed quickly, it is observed that the sample containing a higher or considerable number of bamboo fiber layers exhibited increased strain and toughness. In comparison to other samples, embolism of glass fiber as the main and covering layer expressed a higher impact on the mechanical properties of the composites is observed in this investigation. The shattered sample morphology demonstrated that the matrix and reinforcements were compatible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every day, the need for composite materials grows. The physical and chemical characteristics of the constituent materials inside the hybrid composite impact the final structure. The rate at which these individual properties are sustained varies, but it has an impact on the final properties of hybrid composites. Sporting goods and lightweight orthopaedic components are made from hybrid composites. Glass fibre epoxy and sawdust are utilised to construct hybrid composites in this study, using glass fibre to epoxy resin ratios of (60:40, 60:39, 60:38, 60:37).The current research involves the creation of hybrid composites and their study for flexural and tensile strength under various load conditions. Applying resin and hardener, as well as inserting reinforcement, is repeated in the hand-layup manufacturing process to improve characteristics and create a laminate form. They improve fatigue and fracture resistance while providing dimensional stability and weight savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fiber hybridization in high-strength composites is one of the most researched strategies to enhance their limited toughness. In this work, hybrid composites at laminate level by stacking together plies of carbon and glass fiber were prepared using fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique. The large void content and the poor adhesion between layers attributed to this technology are overcome by the addition of an optimized thermo-pressurized treatment. The analysis of post-processing temperature effects on the microstructural, thermal and interlaminar properties of additive manufactured hybrid composites, revealed a progressive porosity reduction preserving the dimensional accuracy. The enhancement of mechanical properties is due to different contributions that occurred during post-processing: (i) drying effect, which reduces the plasticization of the composites; (ii) improvement of interface adhesion due to the miscibility of polymers; and (iii) significant porosity reduction (below 1 %). This work opens a wider space of possibilities, since FFF allows more complex designs than traditional composite manufacturing, and additionally provides an approach to promote molecular diffusion at the interface, which is the most critical region of FFF parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibre Metal Nano composite Laminates (FMNL) are hybrid composites, fabricated by sandwiching metal (aluminium alloy) with fibres (E-glass). In this work, aluminium alloy and GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymers) are used as adherends and epoxy (Araldite LY 556) is employed as an adhesive. Such an FML can be termed as Glass Laminate Aluminium Reinforced Epoxy (GLARE), in which thin aluminium alloy sheets are bonded on either sides of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP). Airplane fuselage and wing structures makes use of GLARE due to their superior mechanical properties. The most important objective of this work is to analyse the effect of dispersed Nano silica fillers in the epoxy resin. The dispersion of nano fillers in the epoxy resin matrix is over a varying weight percentage of 0 to 7 to form different hybrid laminates. The formed laminates are tested for mechanical properties such as tensile, interlaminar shear, flexural and impact strength. Hybrid laminate with superior mechanical property and enhanced adhesive capacity compared to the other laminate samples are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major drawbacks of fiber reinforced composite laminates is the poor impact damage resistance. Several effective techniques to improve impact damage resistance have been proposed in the literature and among those, fiber hybridization technique takes substantial attention. However, little attention has, as yet, been received for the improvement of impact behavior of basalt fiber reinforced composite laminates by interplyfiber hybridization. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of glass fiber hybridization on Charpy impact behavior of basalt fiber reinforced composite laminates. For this purpose, a series of Charpy impact tests have been performed on composite laminates made of basalt and glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrix in five different stacking sequences. Hybrid composite laminates have been fabricated using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding method. The test results show that the absorbed impact energy and impact strength are significantly influenced by the hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an experimental investigation of cracking behavior of thick carbon/glass fiber hybrid composite laminates with manufacturing-induced ply wrinkles. Both pure glass fiber and glass/carbon fiber hybrid epoxy composite laminates are tested under static and cyclic tension. Stress–strain responses of the specimens under static tension are recorded and the failure sequences are identified. The cyclic loading is applied to the specimens under tension–tension fatigue. The stiffness degradation of the specimens is measured and the cracking events during the fatigue test are identified. The study shows that the glass/carbon fiber epoxy composite laminates first crack at a lower stress level than the pure glass ones despite their higher extension stiffness. The first cracking in the hybrid laminates occurs at the interface between different glass fiber layers while the first cracking in the pure glass laminates occurs between the rich region and the adjacent glass fiber layer in the wrinkled region. Under fatigue loading, the first cracking in hybrid laminates occurs within the carbon fiber layer while the one in the pure glass laminates occurs within the unidirectional glass fiber layer. This study also proposes a novel yet simple image difference analysis method, that by only using optical images of the specimens under fatigue loading, can accurately and efficiently pinpoint the stiffness drops at different fatigue cycles. This study provides new experimental insights into the failure of glass/carbon hybrid laminates toward a more damage-tolerant design. • Glass/carbon fiber hybrid composites with wrinkles tested in static and fatigue tension. • Hybrid composites had higher stiffness than glass composites. • Hybrid composites had faster stiffness degradation than glass composites. • Hybrid composites had earlier cracking than glass composites. • New image difference method analyzes cyclic testing video to identify stiffness drops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High performance shape-adjustable structural batteries with both excellent electrochemical performances and mechanical properties, and compatible with conventional batteries and composite processing techniques, are highly attractive for next generation electrical vehicles and electrical aircrafts. Herein, a high-performance structural lithium-ion battery composite (SLBC) is developed by encapsulating commercial-available battery core materials with hybrid fiber reinforced epoxy composite laminate shells, which can be assembled into desired irregular shapes with the conventional vacuum bagging technique. Firstly, the laminate shell layout with the combination of glass fiber woven fabric (GFWF) and carbon fiber woven fabric (CFWF) is designed and optimized. Meanwhile, a PET film is employed to wrap the battery core materials, which enables processing of the SLBC with liquid electrolyte in ambient condition. The SLBC obtained demonstrates both prominent mechanical (flexural strength of 211.7 MPa and flexural modulus of 7.7 GPa) and electrochemical properties (an initial discharge capacity of 98.5 mAh/g at 0.2C, a high energy density of 314.5 Wh kg−1, and a good cycling performance) owing to the hybrid design of CFWF and GFWF as well as a sealed environment to guarantee the battery operate well. Impressively, the in-situ mechano-electrochemical measurements are assessed under the out-of-plane compressive stress and the flexural stress conditions. These results show that the SLBC under loading can maintain stable electrochemical performance even at a high out-of-plane compressive stress of 20 MPa and a high flexural stress of 150 MPa. Furthermore, the SLBC can also maintain the excellent discharge capacity when subjected to a high impact energy, which is promising in next generation electrical vehicles. Finally, the wave-like SLBC fabricated demonstrates the effectiveness in withstanding loads and driving electric fan simultaneously, which is promising in next generation electrical vehicles.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the effect of homogenous and hybrid external patches based on plain weave woven glass and Kevlar fabric on low velocity impact and quasi-static tensile after impact response of adhesively bonded external patch repairs in damaged glass/epoxy composite laminates. In all hybrid patches, the proportion of Kevlar and glass fibers were equal (i.e. 50% of Kevlar and 50% of glass by volume fraction), while lay-up configuration was different. This further enables to study the associated effect of hybridization and lay-up configuration on impact response of the repaired laminates. The intent of using hybrid external patches is to combine the excellent high displacement-to-failure property of Kevlar fiber as a ductile reinforcement with the superior mechanical property of glass fiber as a brittle reinforcement. The effect of glass/Kevlar content on impact response and tensile after impact response was investigated for various incident impact energy levels, such as 2, 4, 6, and 8 J. Results showed that hybridization and lay-up configurations of the external patches played a significant role on low velocity impact and quasi-static tensile after impact response of the repaired glass/epoxy specimens. Specimens repaired using intra-ply hybrid patches showed better impact properties and damage tolerance capability than that of the virgin and other repaired specimens. In specific, the use of intra-ply hybrid patches reduced the impact energy absorption by 10.17% in comparison to the virgin specimens at impact energy of 8 J. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] We tested the quasi-static tension behavior of the high-strength glass fiber four-Harness stain woven composite, Kevlar fiber plain woven composite, and their laminated hybrid composite. Their representative volume element models are established based on mesoscopic cross-section photographs combined with voxel mesh. A progressive damage model for predicting the damage initiation and evolution of the 2D woven composites is proposed. The crimping effect of plain-woven composites has been considered. The 3D Hashin and the maximum stress criterion are used as the fiber yarn and matrix's damage initiation criterion, respectively. The exponential model is used as the damage evolution model of the fiber yarn. A combination of exponential and reverse tangential damage models has been proposed to describe the damage evolution of the matrix. The proposed damage model is realized using user-defined subroutine UMAT and VUMAT. Abaqus/Standard performs the uniaxial tensile simulation of the two kinds of 2D woven composites with UMAT. Abaqus/Explicit solver simulates the laminated hybrid composite with VUMAT. The simulation results highly agree with the experiment results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

· Impact strength of carbon/glass fibre-reinforced hybrid composite laminates is investigated. · Experimental and finite element analyses are performed. · The failure criteria of composite materials are calibrated. · Deformation and fracture behaviour of hybrid-composite structures are discussed. The paper presents low-velocity impact tests and finite element simulations of carbon/glass fibre-reinforced hybrid composite laminates struck by a pyramidal frustum impactor in order to examine crushing deformations and failure mechanisms. Three mass ratios between the carbon and glass fibre (1:2, 1:1 and 2:1) are considered to compare the influence of the fibre hybridisation on the impact resistance of these laminates. This investigation is an essential step in the design process when ship structural crashworthiness is considered. The experimental results are presented in terms of the force-displacement responses and permanent deformations. Aspects of particular relevance to the deformation and fracture behaviour of hybrid-composite structures subjected to accidental loads are discussed, especially fibre/matrix debonding and fibre damage. Glass fibre shows better impact resistance than carbon fibre, despite the higher modulus of the latter. A series of simulations performed by the LS-DYNA finite element solver are used to calibrate the material failure criteria based on the experimental data, and the sensitivity of the failure criteria to mesh sizes is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. • An E-glass fiber is layered in a 6:2 ratio with natural basalt fiber and infused with graphene nanoparticles. • 40% lighter hybrid composite of 1.1 mm thickness. • Tensile, flexural, low-velocity double impact, and compression impact strength all significantly improved at 2 wt% graphene, increasing by 37%, 55%, 56%, and 78%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multiscale methodology to evaluate SMA in GFRP submitted to low velocity impact. • SMA association in series improve the laminate performance. • SMA association in parallel results does not represent any structural improvement. • SMA in series may decrease or eliminate any damage from impact. The goal of this investigation is to carry out a study about low velocity impacts in hybrid composite plates made by polymer matrix and glass fibers reinforced with Shape Memory Alloy (SMA). SMA are considered due to capability to dissipate energy induced by phase transformation known as pseudoelasticity. A multiscale approach is performed to evaluate the influence of fiber volume fraction, SMA thickness and SMA attachment in the laminate. First, VSPKc micromechanical analytical model is applied to compute laminae effective properties from fiber and matrix properties. Lamina properties are used as input for the numerical models, which are developed using the commercial finite element software Ansys and considering a cross-ply laminate [0 2 /90 2 ] 2s. The influence of SMA inclusion is studied by evaluating the damage resulting from the impact using the Puck failure criterion. Considering laminae with fiber volume fractions equal to 0.3 and 0.5, the use of 10% of SMA in series with the top ply eliminate the damage. For the fiber volume fraction equal to 0.7, an average damage decreasing of 63% is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber-reinforced composites are gradually replacing the traditional materials in many engineering applications. However, for many applications these materials are still unsuitable, due to their lack of toughness. In this context, hybridization is a promising strategy in which two or more types of fiber are combined to obtain a better balance of mechanical properties compared to non-hybrid composites. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to study the hybridization effect on the static performance and interlaminar shear strength. For this purpose, carbon, glass, and Kevlar fibers were used and combined in different proportions. It was possible to conclude that there is an ideal value of fiber content to maximize both properties and, depending on the type of fiber, they should be placed specifically on the compression or tensile side. For example, for composites involving carbon and glass fibers the latter must be placed on the compression side, and for a value of 17% by weight the flexural strength decreases by only 2.8% and the bending modulus by around 19.8%. On the other hand, when Kevlar fibers are combined with glass or carbon fibers, the Kevlar ones must always be placed on the tensile side and with an ideal value of 13% by weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is based on research into the effect of accelerated environmental aging (alternate cycles of UV radiation and moisture, hot steam) in two polymer composite laminates developed using Kevlar 49 and glass E fibers with different hybrid fabrics. One uses a bidirectional textile with hybrid strands and the other with Kevlar and glass fiber strands in the weft and warp. Both use polyester resin as matrix. After exposure, the specimens underwent structural integrity assessment, followed by uniaxial tensile and three-point bending tests and evaluation of fracture characteristics. All the aged laminates were submitted to photo-oxidation, leading to a loss of mechanical properties, demonstrated by the severe damage after aging in both tests. The laminate with hybrid strands experienced the highest losses, especially in strain, but managed to retain 75% of flexural strain and 84% of tensile strain and delamination between layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]