Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Inclusion Effects on Low Velocity Impact Properties of Kevlar/Basalt Fiber/Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study experimentally evaluates how adding multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) particles affects the low‐velocity impact performance (30 J energy) of hybrid Basalt/Kevlar fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites. Laminates were fabricated via hand lay‐up and vacuum bag molding, testing hybrid configurations (with/without MWCNTs) and varying MWCNT concentrations (0.1, 0.25, 0.5 wt%) in distinct stacking sequences. Results demonstrated that minimal MWCNT incorporation significantly improved impact resistance. Composites with 0.25 wt% MWCNTs and Kevlar as the outer layer exhibited a 20.7% increase in maximum load capacity, while those with 0.1 wt% MWCNTs achieved the highest energy absorption (22.3% improvement). Conversely, when Basalt formed the outer layer, 0.1 wt% MWCNTs enhanced maximum load and absorbed energy by 16.9% and 13%, respectively. Optimal performance depended on both MWCNT concentration and fiber‐layer arrangement.