Hybrid Effects of Basalt and Kevlar Fibers on Low-velocity Impact Behavior of Epoxy-based Composites

This work aimed at investigating the low-velocity impact (LVI) behavior of hybrid epoxy-based laminates reinforced with woven Kevlar and Basalt fabrics. Six types of stacking sequences including sandwich hybrid, intercalated hybrid and not hybrid were employed for fabricating the specimens. Herein, the main focus of the study was to investigate the effect of Kevlar-Basalt hybridization on the low-velocity impact behavior of specimens. The impact tests were conducted using a drop-weight impact device at different energy levels of 30, 40, and 60 J. The impact properties of laminates were compared in terms of peak force, energy absorption and damaged area. Moreover, the low-velocity impact properties of specimens were simulated using ABAQUS finite element software and the results were compared with the experimental data. From the obtained results, the hybrid composite with intercalated configuration exhibited superior impact resistance.