Influence of Fiber Orientation and Number of Layer on Tensile and Flexural Strength of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites Fabricated by VARTM Process

Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process is the most effective solution for composite product manufacturing industries. It allows the manufacturing of large components at a lower cost. VARTM process is most suitable with porous reinforcements such as fiber mat, woven fabric, or knitted fabrics. For fiber-reinforced composite components, the fiber orientation has a great influence on mechanical properties. The objective of this work is to examine the effect of fiber orientation and the number of layers on tensile and flexural strength. The carbon fiber-reinforced composites are prepared using the VARI process. In this experimental study, epoxy-based composite laminates were prepared with orientations, [0o], [90o], [0o/90o], [±45o]. The effect of number of layers was also examined. From the result of tensile testing, the highest tensile strength value was observed at [0o] with seven-layered laminate. From the result of flexural testing, the highest flexural strength value was observed at [0o/90o] with three-layered laminate. It was observed that the tensile property of the laminates was superior when more number of fibers were in alignment with the loading axis. The high bending resistance was observed at [0°/90°] orientation.