Development and mechanical properties of carbon fibre reinforced EP/VE hybrid composite systems

Abstract

In this study epoxy/vinyl ester (EP/VE) based hybrid thermoset resin was developed and used as a matrix in unidirectional carbon fabric reinforced composite. The mechanical characteristics of the hybrid and the individual resins were revealed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), three-point bending, and hardness tests. The produced composites were investigated by three point bending, impact-, and fatigue tests. The morphological characterization of the materials was carried out by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The revealed morphology affirmed that the mechanical properties of the composites were improved by the using of the hybrid resin. Based on the results enhanced inter-laminar properties of the produced composites were exhibited.