Study on the Inter-Laminar Shear Strength and Contact Angle of Glass Fiber/ABS and Glass Fiber/Carbon Fiber/ABS Hybrid Composites

Abstract

In recent days, the uses of 3D printing have been successfully implemented in various applications due to their advantages. Besides, the need for sustainable choice has created a demand for the augmented use of thermoplastic composites. Thus, additive manufacturing techniques have become the essence of composite fabrication to achieve an automated and flexible fabrication technique. The present study used fused deposition modelling (FDM) and hot press moulding technique to produce composite samples. The composite laminates were fabricated by using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) as polymer and woven glass fiber (GF) and woven carbon fiber (CF) used as reinforcements. Further, the laminates were subjected to inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS) and contact angle. The inter-laminar shear strength and the contact angle of hybrid samples were compared with virgin ABS and pure glass fiber-reinforced composites. The study reported a maximum ILSS of 198.5MPa achieved by GF/CF/ABS hybrid composites, which was higher by 17% and 217% compared with GF/ABS and ABS samples, respectively. The contact angle results showed an increase due to the incorporation of fibers with ABS by 5% and 13% in GF/ABS and GF/CF/ABS, respectively, contributing to the adhesion. The contact angle values achieved were 100.5°, 105.15°, and 113.39° by ABS, GF/ABS and GF/CF/ABS making them hydrophobic in nature. These developed reinforced materials, such as carbon fiber, glass fiber and ABS matrix composites, could be used in automotive, aerospace and wind energy applications.