Solid particle erosion, water absorption and thickness swelling behavior of intra ply Kevlar/PALF fiber epoxy hybrid composites

AbstractIn this investigation, the different weaving pattern of intra ply Kevlar and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced with epoxy hybrid composites was fabricated using the compression molding method. Solid particle erosion wear properties, water absorption, and thickness swelling behavior were tested. Solid particle erosion wear properties were tested using an air‐jet erosion tester. The various factors for solid particle erosion test were taken as impingement angle, exposure time, and weaving pattern. The weaving pattern was varied as plain type, twill type, basket type. The result showed that basket weave type and pure Kevlar fiber reinforced epoxy composites have better water absorption and thickness swelling properties. The results from the solid particle erosion test indicated that twill type and pure Kevlar fiber reinforced epoxy composites showed superior erosion wear resistance compared to other composites. Further, the statistical analysis was carried out using Taguchi analysis and their results showed that twill type Kevlar/PALF reinforced with epoxy composite was a minimum erosion wear rate at 90° of impingement angle and 6 min exposure time. The erosion mechanism of the surface eroded composite specimens was investigated using scanning electron microscopy.