Hybrid effect of functionally graded hybrid composites of glass–carbon fibers

In this work, hybrid composite having linear gradation of carbon and glass fibers (functionally graded hybrid (FGH)) is made and its material properties are compared with classical sandwich hybrid (SH) laminates, i.e., carbon fibers in between glass fibers or vice versa. The performance of FGH composite is evaluated in tensile, compressive, and flexural loadings. Using analytical approach (rule of mixtures), hybrid effect w.r.t. carbon fiber or glass fiber laminates is determined in terms of strength and stiffness. It is observed that failure of FGH specimen is progressive, i.e., layer by layer failure, due to this high ductility is noticed in comparison with SH specimens except in compression. Stiffness and strength of FGH specimens are higher than SH specimens under tension, compression, and flexural. The FGH has shown 7–8% positive hybrid effect in flexural modulus w.r.t. carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates. In terms of compressive strains, SH and FGH specimens have shown 526% and 380% positive hybrid effect w.r.t. carbon fiber laminates, respectively. Overall FGH is proved better in comparison with classical SH laminates.