Ballistic impact studies on carbon and E-glass fibre based hybrid composite laminates

The present study is aimed at developing Carbon and E-glass based hybrid composite lamiantes for armour applications in order to get advantages of both the types of fibers. Three hybrid composite laminates based on carbon and E-glass in the weight ratio of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 with epoxy resin matrix were fabricated. For comparison purpose all carbon (C 100) and all E-glass (E 100) composites were also fabricated. High velocity impact tests were performed on laminates keeping carbon as strike face against 7.62 mm mild steel projectile. Present study revealed that the composite laminates comprising carbon and E-glass in the ratio of 50:50 (CE 50-50) has shown maximum performance in terms of energy absorption. It showed 17 % & 30% higher energy absorption than C 100 and E 100 composites respectively. Damage areas at front and rear sides as well as damage volume are determined and found that its increase with increase in thickness. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.