Physico‐Mechanical Characterization of Epoxy Based Hybrid Composites Reinforced With Multiple Layers of Glass Fibers and Stainless Steel Wire Meshes

ABSTRACT This study focuses on developing a new type of multi‐layer polymer composite using both synthetic and metal fibers. Among synthetic fibers, glass fiber has emerged as a promising reinforcement material in polymer composites; however, researchers are actively exploring hybrid composites to overcome its limitations in mechanical and physical properties. In this study, stainless steel 304 wire mesh is used as an additional reinforcement along with glass fibers, and three different composites are fabricated by varying the stacking sequences and the content of both fibers. For physico‐mechanical characterization, various tests, including density, tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear strength, impact resistance, and hardness, are conducted on all fabricated composites. Stereo microscopy is employed to analyze surface features and stacking sequences, whereas scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to reveal fracture surfaces in tensile and flexural specimens. Experimental results indicate that although the inclusion of steel wire mesh marginally reduces tensile, flexural, impact, and inter‐laminar shear strength, significant improvements are observed in hardness and density, making these composites suitable for tribological applications.