Quasi-Static Indentation Response of the Glass/Basalt Fibre Reinforced Hybrid Composites

Hybrid composite consists of two or more reinforcements which provide them unique characteristics as well as superior performance over the composite reinforced with the individual constituents. In this work, hybrid composites reinforced with the basalt and glass fibres have been fabricated with the different stacking sequences and were subjected to the quasi-static indentation test (QSI). The performance of the hybrid composites was assessed from the peak load and energy absorption characteristics from the load-displacement plot and surface damage area determined from the ultrasonic C-scan images. Hybridization of glass fibres with the basalt fibres was beneficial as the hybrid composites exhibited superior load bearing ability and better energy absorption characteristics than the basalt/epoxy composites. The stack sequence was also found to significantly influence the indentation behaviour of the hybrid composites. Furthermore, the damage area assessed from the ultrasonic C-scan images was also dependent on the stacking sequence of fibres in the hybrid composite.