Anisotropy, hole, and hybridization influences in polyester polymer composites reinforced by glass and glass/Kevlar

Abstract This study aimed at determining the mechanical properties, residual properties, and mechanical fracture characteristics of two composite laminates reinforced with different types of fibers, the first using a bidirectional fabric of E‐glass fibers and the second, also bidirectional, a hybrid strand of E‐glass and Kevlar 49 fibers. Both laminates consist of four layers of fabric reinforced with Polilyte 10316‐10 polyester resin. Two types of studies were conducted on the laminates: the presence of a geometric discontinuity (central hole) and anisotropy, that is, different fiber arrangements in relation to the applied load. The directions are 0°/90° and ±45°. Another study was carried out on the hybridization process in the composition of reinforcement fabric strands. In all the studies, the test specimens were submitted to uniaxial tensile testing. The results demonstrate the influence of anisotropy, hybridization, and the presence of a central hole on the mechanical response and fracture characteristics of composite laminates, with the 0°/90° configuration exhibiting greater tensile strength in all the conditions studied.