Influence of environmental aging in two polymer-reinforced composites using different hybridization methods: Glass/Kevlar fiber hybrid strands and in the weft and warp alternating Kevlar and glass fiber strands

Abstract This study is based on research into the effect of accelerated environmental aging (alternate cycles of UV radiation and moisture, hot steam) in two polymer composite laminates developed using Kevlar 49 and glass E fibers with different hybrid fabrics. One uses a bidirectional textile with hybrid strands and the other with Kevlar and glass fiber strands in the weft and warp. Both use polyester resin as matrix. After exposure, the specimens underwent structural integrity assessment, followed by uniaxial tensile and three-point bending tests and evaluation of fracture characteristics. All the aged laminates were submitted to photo-oxidation, leading to a loss of mechanical properties, demonstrated by the severe damage after aging in both tests. The laminate with hybrid strands experienced the highest losses, especially in strain, but managed to retain 75% of flexural strain and 84% of tensile strain and delamination between layers.