Effect of silicon carbide on enhancing interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of Kevlar-glass fiber hybrid composites

Abstract

The potential of nanofillers to enhance mechanical properties and surface adhesion in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites has attracted much attention. This study explores the influence/effect of silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticle reinforcement on the mechanical characteristics and interfacial adhesion of Kevlar-glass fiber hybrid epoxy composites. Glass and Kevlar fibers were combined in layers and strengthened with varying SiC concentrations (0 %, 1 %, 3 %, and 5 %). Tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests were among the mechanical evaluations that followed the hand layup method used to create the composites. Fiber-matrix interactions and fracture properties were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The incorporation of SiC nanoparticles significantly influenced the mechanical performance of the composites. Compared to the unreinforced sample (0 % SiC), the addition of 1 % SiC resulted in notable improvements in tensile strength (from 130.57 MPa to 141.35 MPa), flexural strength (from 138.06 MPa to 152.00 MPa), and impact strength (from 20 J to 30 J). These enhancements were further amplified at 3 % SiC, which demonstrated the highest values across all measured mechanical properties tensile strength of 151.53 MPa, flexural strength of 168.09 MPa, and impact resistance of 40 J. However, a decline in mechanical performance was observed at 5 % SiC, likely due to nanoparticle agglomeration, which may have introduced voids and stress concentrations within the matrix. Swelling and water absorption tests showed a steady increase with SiC concentration, highlighting a trade-off between moisture sensitivity and mechanical improvement. These findings offer insights for enhancing SiC reinforcement in hybrid composites for high-performance applications in the aerospace, automotive, and structural sectors.

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