Abstract

In the present investigation, Fracture Toughness of hybrid composites consists of glass –carbon fiber with fly ash as secondary filler reinforced epoxy composites which was fabricated hand layup technique was assessed.  The fly ash filler was loaded at varying rate of 10%, 20% and 30% by wt. in the hybrid prepared. In order to understand the fly ash filler being used in the development of hybrid laminates, the Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis was carried out, which revealed the presence of elemental composition of the filler used and Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis of the filler system for the determination of size and morphology of particles present in the reinforcing filler that will be used in forming hybrid material. The fracture toughness was measured using the single edge notched bend specimen at the room temperature and at different loading rate of crosshead in computerized universal testing machine as per ASTM standards. An attempt to understand the influence of fly ash particles addition on the fracture toughness of a glass – carbon fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composite was made. From the experimental results, it was found that the secondary reinforcement, fly ash filler, which was in micron sized-particles, has improved the fracture toughness property to some extent in the hybrid system when compared.

Keywords: Fracture Toughness, Glass fiber, Carbon fiber, Fly Ash, Filler.