Fibre-reinforced composites are rapidly gaining market share in structural applications, but further growth is limited by their lack of toughness. Fibre hybridisation is a promising strategy to toughen composite materials. By combining two or more fibre types, these hybrid composites offer a better balance in mechanical properties than non-hybrid composites. Predicting their mechanical properties is challenging due to the synergistic effects between both fibres. This review aims to explain basic mechanisms of these hybrid effects and describes the state-of-the-art models to predict them. An overview of the tensile, flexural, impact and fatigue properties of hybrid composites is presented to aid in optimal design of hybrid composites. Finally, some current trends in fibre hybridisation, such as pseudo-ductility, are described.

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Fibre hybridisation in polymer composites: a review

A three-dimensional finite element model is developed to predict damage progression and strength of mechanically fastened joints in carbon fibre-reinforced plastics that fail in the bearing, tension and shear-out modes. The model is based on a three-dimensional finite element model, on a three-dimensional failure criterion and on a constitutive equation that takes into account the effects of damage on the material elastic properties. This is accomplished using internal state variables that are functions of the type of damage. This formulation is used together with a global failure criterion to predict the ultimate strength of the joint. Experimental results concerning damage progression, joint stiffness and strength are obtained and compared with the predictions. A good agreement between experimental results and numerical predictions is obtained.

A progressive Damage Model for Mechanically Fastened Joints in Composite Laminates

The mechanical performance of hybrid phenol-formaldehyde-based composites reinforced with glass and oil palm fibres

Carbon-fiber reinforced composites are prepared using catalyst-free malleable polyimine networks as binders. An energy neutral closed-loop recycling process has been developed, enabling recovery of 100% of the imine components and carbon fibers in their original form. Polyimine films made using >21% recycled content exhibit no loss of mechanical performance, therefore indicating all of the thermoset composite material can be recycled and reused for the same purpose.

G. Kretsis

Papers

A review of the tensile, compressive, flexural and shear properties of hybrid fibre-reinforced plastics.

The strength of bolted joints in glass fibre/epoxy laminates