Study of the Effect of Low-Speed Impact on Composite Materials Reinforced with (Synthetic and Natural) Fibers

Abstract

The low-velocity impact resistance of fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites varies depending on the type of reinforcing fiber and the number of layers.

This study investigated the falling ball impact resistance of unsaturated polyester composites reinforced with synthetic/natural fibers. To achieve this goal, samples of unsaturated polyester reinforced with random glass fibers (3, 5, and 7 layers) were prepared. Samples reinforced with random glass fibers hybridized with carbon fibers, aramid fibers, basalt fibers, and hemp fibers were also prepared.

Impact test results using the falling ball test and MATLAB-based deformation area calculations showed that samples reinforced with seven layers of random glass fibers exhibited high impact and shock wave propagation resistance. The hybrid samples also exhibited good impact resistance, while the hybrid sample of glass fibers and hemp fabric exhibited better impact resistance compared to the other samples. This suggests the possibility of reducing the amount of synthetic fibers in the material and replacing them with inexpensive natural fibers while maintaining properties suitable for applications requiring impact resistance (head protection helmets and car bodies).