Dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy based PALF/basalt hybrid composite laminates

Abstract

The focal point of this study is the usage of Pine apple leaf fiber (PALF) from the agricultural waste to produce epoxy based composites and to gauge the hybridizing effect and stacking sequences on the performance of PALF (P)/basalt (B) fiber composites, specifically their static and dynamic mechanical properties. High modulus unidirectional basalt fabric layers were added to PALF composite to achieve better specific properties and to retain its damping properties. Pure PALF, pure basalt and PALF/Basalt hybrid laminates of approximately constant thickness were prepared using the hand layup method followed by compression moulding technique. Properties like, tensile, flexural and dynamic mechanical properties of these composite laminates were experimentally assessed as per ASTM standards. From the outcomes it is exhibited that hybridization of PALF with basalt fibre improves the tensile, flexural and dynamic mechanical properties. Furthermore, the hybrid composite with basalt as skin exhibited better properties than PALF as skin.