2D / 1D Multidimensional Basalt Flake/Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Resin Interlayer Hybrid Composites With Synergistic Hybrid Effect in Strength, Stiffness and Toughness

ABSTRACT Hybrid fiber‐reinforced composites are widely utilized in critical fields but still exhibit a mutual constraint among strength, stiffness, and toughness. This study fabricated novel 2D/1D multidimensional hybrid composites by integrating basalt flake/epoxy resin nacre‐mimetic composite with carbon fiber/epoxy resin composite via vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding. In order to optimum the manufacturing process, surface treatments were applied to basalt flakes, significantly enhancing the mechanical performance of the nacre‐mimetic composite. Then, three‐point bending and pendulum impact tests were conducted on the multidimensional hybrid composites with varying hybrid ratios. Results showed that its failure modes dominate the strength. By regulating its hybrid ratio, positive hybrid effects in strength can be achieved. Remarkably, modulus consistently showed positive hybrid effects suggesting the superior load transfer efficiency of the multidimensional hybrid structures, and the hybrid effects enhancements in toughness arose from its complex failure paths induced by the 2D/1D structural interactions. The optimized multidimensional hybrid composites achieved synergistic positive hybrid effects in strength (33%), stiffness (72%), and toughness (126%). The multidimensional hybridization strategy developed in this work provides critical insights for advancing hybrid composite design.