Preparation of Kevlar-49 Fabric/E-Glass Fabric/Epoxy Composite Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Composite materials have been prepared using Kevlar and glass fabrics as reinforcement materials and epoxy resin as a matrix. The best ratio of epoxy in the Kevlar fabric/Epoxy and glass fabric/epoxy composites was determined in terms of their mechanical properties. Then, surface treatments of Kevlar fabric have been done using phosphoric acid to investigate their effect on Kevlar fabric/Epoxy composite material mechanical properties. The impact and tensile properties of the Kevlar/Epoxy composite material have been improved, and their Young's modulus increased by 38%. After that, hybrid composite materials were prepared using Kevlar and glass fabrics and epoxy. The mechanical properties of the prepared hybrid composite materials have also been studied (impact and tensile testing) in relation to composition and surface treatments. Finally, the results have been studied in order to determine the optimal preparation conditions for obtaining suitable composite material in terms of weight, mechanical properties, and cost.