Mechanical properties of open-hole unidirectional laminates: Hybridization of jute unidirectional fabrics with glass fabrics

This study examines the mechanical properties of open-hole unidirectional laminates by hybridizing jute and glass fabrics. Characterization involved microscopy, thickness variation, density measurements, tensile, and flexural tests. Numerical models were developed for each configuration, validated by experimental data, with a VUMAT subroutine implemented in ABAQUS/Explicit (TM) to simulate progressive damage using the 3D Hashin criteria. Results showed voids in the interphase regions of both jute-based and hybrid laminates, indicating that jute fibers contribute to void formation. Thickness varied with the number of hybrid interfaces, with the glass laminate (G5) being thinnest, while jute and hybrid laminates (JGJGJ, JGGGJ and J5) were thicker. Density variation was influenced by the fiber types and their respective densities. Tensile tests revealed lower strength and modulus in jute laminates compared to glass. Open holes reduced tensile properties across laminates, except for G5. Numerical-experimental tensile strength differences ranged from 0.5% to 6.1% (without hole) and 3.7% to 64.0% (with hole). Open-hole laminates also showed reduced flexural strength but maintained a consistent flexural modulus. Numerical and experimental results for jute and hybrid laminates matched closely, with differences from 0.02% to 19.5%. Failure modes during tensile and flexural tests provided important insights into laminate behavior.Highlights Hybridization of jute and glass fibers led to void formation in interphase regions. Thickness variation in laminates influenced by the number of hybrid interfaces. Density variation primarily influenced by fiber types and their densities. Bi-component jute laminates showed lower tensile properties compared to glass laminates. Open holes resulted in decreased tensile properties, except for G5-H laminate. Failure modes during tensile testing provided valuable insights into laminate behavior. Open-hole laminates exhibited reduced flexural strength with similar flexural modulus.