Silicon Carbide Embedded Polyester Composite Enriched by Kevlar Fiber via Compression Mould: Performance Study

Hybrid polymer matrix composites are advantageous over monolithic polymer matrix, and conventional poly composites are prepared with mono reinforcement exposed lack of mechanical performance, including moderate hardness, better tensile and marginal improvement in impact strength behaviour. The exposure of nano-sized silicon carbide (SiC) is embedded with a polyester matrix, which quality is enhanced by the inclusions of short Kevlar fiber (2–4 mm) via the compression mould route. The fabricated unreinforced polyester matrix, polyester/2.5% of SiC, and polyester/2.5% of SiC/5–15% of Kevlar fiber hybrid nanocomposites microhardness, impact and tensile strength performance is experimentally evaluated. Its results of a hybrid polyester nanocomposite consisting of 2.5% SiC and 15% Kevlar fiber exhibited higher microhardness, impact, and tensile strength values of 120 HV, 11 J/cm², and 157 MPa. These enriched characteristics of hybrid polyester/2.5% SiC/15% Kevlar fiber are suggested for automotive high strength-low weight applications.