QUASI-STATIC INDENTATION BEHAVIOUR OF UNIDIRECTIONAL r-PET / KEVLAR HYBRID LAMINATED COMPOSITES

Abstract

This experimental work presents quasi-static indentation (QSI) tests on hybrid laminated composites of unidirectional recycled polyethylene terephthalate (r-PET) strip mats and plain-woven Kevlar fabric as the reinforcer. Silicone sealants were used as the adhesive material for the laminated layers. The hybrid composites were fabricated using hand lay-up and followed by the vacuum bagging technique. The samples were left to cure at room temperature for 24 h. The hybrid laminated composites were prepared in four layering sequences. The non-hybrid composites of full unidirectional r-PET mat and full plain-woven Kevlar fabric were used as reference samples. The QSI tests were carried using a universal testing machine at the speed of 5 mm/min. The energy absorption and maximum indentation force of the hybridising laminated composite structure were studied. The area of force-displacement curves was calculated to demonstrate the hybridisation effects. In summary, this work demonstrates the positive hybridisation effects of those two materials. The results obtained can inspire future applications of high impact energy absorption composites.
Keywords: Hybrid laminated composites; Kevlar; recycled polyethylene terephthalate (r-PET); indentation responses; energy absorption.

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