SEMINAR REPORT ON HYBRID COMPOSITE MATERIALS

CHAPTER 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION
A composite is combination of two materials in which one of the materials, called the reinforcing phase, is in
the form of fibres, sheets, or particles, and is embedded in the other materials called the matrix phase. The
reinforcing material and the matrix material can be metal, ceramic, or polymer. Composites typically have a
fibre or particle phase that is stiffer and stronger than the continuous matrix phase and serve as the principal
load carrying members. The matrix acts as a load transfer medium between fibres, and in less ideal cases where
the loads are complex, the matrix may even have to bear loads transverse to the fibre axis. The matrix is more
ductile than the fibres and thus acts as a source of composite toughness. When designed properly, the new
combined material exhibits better strength than would each individual material. Composites are used not only
for their structural properties, but also for electrical, thermal, tribological, and environmental applications.
Composites are multifunctional material systems that provide characteristics not obtainable from any discrete
material. They are cohesive structures made by physically combining two or more compatible materials,
different in composition and characteristics. In the broader significance; the combination has its own distinctive
properties. In terms of strength to resistance to heat or some other desirable quality, itis better than either of the
components alone or radically different from either of them. The composites are compound materials which
differ from alloys by the fact that the individual components retain their characteristics but are so incorporated
into the composite as to take advantage only of their attributes and not of their short comings”, in order to obtain
improved materials. composite materials as heterogeneous materials consisting of two or more
solid phases, which are in intimate contact with each other on a microscopic scale. They can be also considered
as homogeneous materials on a microscopic scale in the sense that any portion of it will have the same physical
property.

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CHAPTER 2
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Gururaja MN, Rao AH. A review on recent applications and future prospectus of hybrid composites.
International Journal of Soft Computing and Engineering. 2012 Jan;1(6):352-5.
Hybrid composite Materials have extensive engineering application where strength to weight ratio, low cost and
ease of fabrication are required. Hybrid composites provide combination of properties such as tensile modulus,
compressive strength and impact strength which cannot be realized in composite materials. In recent times
hybrid composites have been established as highly efficient, high performance structural materials and their use
is increasing rapidly. Hybrid composites are usually used when a combination of properties of different types
of fibers have to be achieved, or when longitudinal as well as lateral mechanical performances are required. The
investigation of the novel applications of hybrid composites has been of deep interest to the researchers for
many years as evident from reports. This paper presents a review of the current status of hybrid composite
materials technology, in terms of materials available and properties, and an outline of some of the trends,
obvious and speculative, with emphasis on various applications including some details of smart hybrid
composites.

2. Sinha AK, Narang HK, Bhattacharya S. Mechanical properties of hybrid polymer composites: a
review. Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering. 2020 Aug; 42:1-3.
Polymer composites have become one of the most important domains in recent times for researchers. It is due
to the fact that polymer composites possess better strength-to-weight ratio than the most of the conventional
alloys and composites which are in use today for structural applications. Moreover, the researchers are also
coming up with novel hybrid polymer composites so as to achieve the desired mechanical properties. Therefore,
this review on hybrid polymer composites focuses on the mechanical properties like impact, flexural and tensile
strengths of hybrid polymer composites so as to bring out the essence of their mechanical behaviour which are
influenced by critical factors like selection of type, orientation and arrangement of reinforcements in polymer
matrix composites. This detailed review is an endeavour to unfold the major aspects of this domain as research
gaps which are untouched till date. The study shows that there is limited use of fillers (such as red mud and fly
ash) and natural fibres (abaca, bamboo, ramie, coir, pineapple) in hybrid polymer composites to harness their
full potential.

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3. Swolfs Y, Verpoest I, Gorbatikh L. Recent advances in fibre-hybrid composites: materials selection,
opportunities and applications. International Materials Reviews. 2019 May 19;64(4):181-215.

Fibre-hybrid composites are composed of two or more fibre types in a matrix. Such composites offer more
design freedom than non-hybrid composites. The aim is often to alleviate the drawbacks of one of the fibre
types while keeping the benefits of the other. The hybridisation can also lead to synergetic effects or to properties
that neither of the constituents possess. Even though fibre-hybrid composites are attractive, they also pose more
challenges in terms of materials selection than conventional, single fibre type composites. This review analyses
the mechanisms for synergetic effects provides guidance on the fibre and matrix selection and describes recent
opportunities and trends. It finishes by describing the current applications, and by contrasting how the industrial
use is different from the academic research.

4. Adams DF, Miller AK. An analysis of the impact behaviour of hybrid composite materials. Materials
Science and Engineering. 1975 Jun 1;19(2):245-60.

An analysis of the energy absorbed in a hybrid composite, viz., a graphite/epoxy laminate containing plies of a
third phase material, when subjected to an impact loading is presented. Calculated elastic strain energies at
maximum impact load are compared with measured fracture initiation energies. A number of hybrid composite
configurations are considered, incorporating PRD-49, glass and nylon fibres as the third phase reinforcements,
in various ply orientations.

5. Sap S, Uzun M, Usca ÜA, Pimenov DY, Giasin K, Wojciechowski S. Investigation on microstructure,
mechanical, and tribological performance of Cu base hybrid composite materials. Journal of Materials
Research and Technology. 2021 Nov 1; 15:6990-7003 .

Copper matrix composites (CMC) are frequently used in the automotive, aerospace, construction, and electrical-
electronics industries. Properties such as low density, improved fatigue strength, high hardness, and high
specific strength are the factors that make copper matrix composites important. The development of these factors
is important for the industrial use of copper matrix composites. SiCp doped metal matrix composites have better
mechanical properties than pure alloys. It is also known that Ti, B powder particle additives improve the
mechanical properties of the main matrix. In this study, Cu hybrid composites reinforced with Ti–B-
SiCp powders, which were not produced before, were obtained and their microstructure, density, hardness, and
wear behaviour were investigated. Composite materials produced by powder metallurgy method were prepared
at 2–8 wt. % mixing ratios. Then each material was sintered at temperatures of 950–100-1050 °C.
Microstructural images showed homogenous distribution in the composite material. The highest relative density
of 93% was obtained in the composite material with a 2% reinforcement rate at 1050 °C. It was found that the
hardness increased with the increase of the reinforcement rate up to 6 wt.% and then decreased after that.

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CHAPTER 3
3.1 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS
3.1.1 According to the type of reinforcing material composites can be classified as
1. Fibrous Composite: A fiber is characterized by its length being much greater compared to its cross-
sectional dimensions. The dimensions of the reinforcement determine its capability of contributing its properties
to the composite. Fibers are very effective in improving the fracture resistance of the matrix since a
reinforcement having a long dimension discourages the growth of incipient cracks normal to the reinforcement
that might otherwise lead to failure, particularly with brittle matrices. Man-made filaments or fibers of non-
polymeric materials exhibit much higher strength along their length since large flaws, which may be present in
the bulk material, are minimized because of the small cross-sectional dimensions of the fiber. In the case of
polymeric materials, orientation of the molecular structure is responsible for high strength and stiffness.

Fig 1 Fibrous Composite

2. Laminar composites: are found in as many combinations as the number of materials. They can be
described as materials comprising of layers of materials bonded together. These may be of several layers of two
or more metal materials occurring alternately or in a determined order more than once, and in as many numbers
as required for a specific purpose.

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Fig 2 Laminar composites

Clad and sandwich laminates have many areas as it ought to be, although they are known to follow the rule of
mixtures from the modulus and strength point of view. Other intrinsic values pertaining to metal-matrix, metal-
reinforced composites are also fairly well known.

Fig 3 Sandwich Composite

Powder metallurgical processes like roll bonding, hot pressing diffusion bonding, brazing and so on can be
employed for the fabrication of different alloys of sheet, foil, powder or sprayed materials.
It is not possible to achieve high strength materials unlike the fibre version. Foils and sheets are also made to
exhibit high percentages of which they are put. For instance, a strong sheet may use over 92% in laminar
structure, while it is difficult to make fibres of such compositions. Fibre laminates cannot over 75% strong
fibres. The main functional types of metal-metal laminates that do not possess high strength or stiffness are
single layered ones that endow the composites with special properties, apart from being cost-effective. They are
usually made by pre-coating of cladding methods.

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Pre-coated metals are formed by forming by forming a layer on a substrate, in the form of a thin continuous
film. This is achieved by hot dipping and occasionally by chemical plating and electroplating. Clad metals are
found to be suitable for more intensive environments where denser faces are required.

3. Particulate Composites: In particulate composites the reinforcement is of particle nature. It may be

spherical, cubic, tetragonal, a platelet, or of other regular or irregular shape. In general, particles are not very
effective in improving fracture resistance but they enhance the stiffness of the composite to a limited extent.
Particle fillers are widely used to improve the properties of matrix materials such as to modify the thermal and
electrical conductivities, improve performance at elevated temperatures, reduce friction, increase wear and
abrasion resistance, improve machinability, increase surface hardness and reduce shrinkage.

Fig 4 Particulate Composites

Microstructures of metal and ceramics composites, which show particles of one phase strewn in the other, are
known as particle reinforced composites. Square, triangular and round shapes of reinforcement are known, but
the dimensions of all their sides are observed to be more or less equal. The size and volume concentration of
the dispersed distinguishes it from dispersion hardened materials.

The dispersed size in particulate composites is of the order of a few microns and volume concentration is greater
than 28%. The difference between particulate composite and dispersion strengthened ones is, thus, oblivious.
The mechanism used to strengthen each of them is also different. The dispersed in the dispersion-strengthen
materials reinforces the matrix alloy by arresting motion of dislocations and needs large forces to fracture the
restriction created by dispersion.

4. Flake Composites: are often used in place of fibres as can be densely packed. Metal flakes that are in
close contact with each other in polymer matrices can conduct electricity or heat, while mica flakes and glass
can resist both. Flakes are not expensive to produce and usually cost less than fibres.

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Fig 5 Flake Composites

But they fall short of expectations in aspects like control of size, shape and show defects in the end product.
Glass flakes tend to have notches or cracks around the edges, which weaken the final product. They are also
resistant to be lined up parallel to each other in a matrix, causing uneven strength. They are usually set in
matrices, or more simply, held together by a matrix with a gluc-type binder. Depending on the end-use of the
product, flakes are present in small quantities or occupy the whole composite.

5. Filled Composites: Filled composites result from addition of filer materials to plastic matrices to replace
a portion of the matrix, enhance or change the properties of the composites
Another type of filled composite is the product of structure infiltrated with a second-phase filler material. The
skeleton could be a group of cells, honeycomb structures, like a network of open pores.

The infiltrate could also be independent of the matrix and yet bind the components like powders or fibers, or
they could just be used to fill voids. Fill In the open matrices of a porous or spongy composite, the formation is
the natural result of processing and such matrices can be strengthened with different materials. Metal
impregnates are used to improve strength or tolerance of the matrix. Metal casting, graphite, powder metallurgy
parts and ceramics belong to this class of filled composites

Fig 6 Filled Composites

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In the honeycomb structure, the matrix is not naturally formed, but specifically designed to a pre-determined
shape. Sheet materials in the hexagonal shapes are impregnated with resin or foam and are used as a core
material in sandwich composites. Fillers may be the main ingredient or an additional one in a composite. The
filler particles may be irregular structures, or have precise geometrical shapes like polyhedrons, short fibers or
spheres.
While their purpose is far from adding visual embellishment to the composites, they occasionally impart colour
or opacity to the composite which they fill As inert additives, fillers can change almost any basic resin
characteristic in all directions required, to tide over the many limitations of basic resins as far as composites are
concerned.
Filled plastics tend to behave like two different constituents. They do not alloy and accept the bonding. They
are meant to develop mutually; they desist from interacting chemically with each other. It is vital that the
constituents remain in co- ordination and do not destroy each other’s desired properties.
Matrix in a few filled composites provides the main framework while the filler furnishes almost all desired
properties.

6. Microspheres: are considered to be some of the most useful fillers. Their specific gravity, stable particle
size, strength and controlled density to modify products without compromising on profitability or physical
properties are it's their most- sought after assets. Solid glass Microspheres, manufactured from glass are most
suitable for plastics. Solid glass Microspheres are coated with a binding agent which bonds itself as well as the
sphere's surface to the resin.

Solid Microspheres have relatively low density, and therefore, influence the commercial value and weight of
the finished product. .Hollow microspheres are essentially silicate based, made at controlled specific gravity.
Commercially, silicate-based hollow microspheres with different compositions using organic compounds are
also available. Due to the modification, the microspheres are rendered less sensitive to moisture, thus reducing
attraction between particles. Formerly, hollow spheres were mostly used for thermosetting resin systems. Now,
several new strong spheres are available and they are at least five times stronger than hollow microspheres in
static crush strength and four times long lasting in shear. Recently, ceramic alumino silicate microspheres have
been introduced in thermoplastic systems.

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Hollow microspheres have lower specific gravity than the pure resin. This makes it possible to use them for
lightning resin dominant compounds. They find wide applications in aerospace and automotive industries where
weight reduction for energy conservation is one of the main considerations.
Energy conservation one of the main considerations .But their use in systems requiring high shear mixing or
high-pressure moulding is restricted as their crush resistance is in no way comparable to that of solid spheres.
Microspheres, whether solid or hollow, show properties that are directly related to their spherical shape let them
behave like minute ball bearing, and hence, they give better flow properties.
In spherical particles, the ratio of surface area to volume is minimal (smallest).

3.2 According to type of matrix material they are classified as:

1. Metal Matrix Composites

2. Ceramic Matrix Composites
3. Polymer Matrix Composites
1. Metal Matrix Composites
Higher strength, fracture toughness and stiffness are offered by metal matrices. Metal matrix can withstand
elevated temperature in corrosive environment than polymer composites. Titanium, aluminum and magnesium
are the popular matrix metals currently in vogue, which are particularly useful for aircraft applications. Because
of these attributes metal matrix composites are under consideration for wide range of applications viz.
combustion chamber nozzle (in rocket, space shuttle), housings, tubing, cables, heat exchangers, structural
members etc.

Fig 7 Metal Matrix Composites

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2. Ceramic matrix Composites
One of the main objectives in producing ceramic matrix composites is to increase the toughness. Naturally it is
hoped and indeed often found that there isa concomitant improvement in strength and stiffness of ceramic matrix
composites.

Fig 8 Ceramic matrix Composites

3. Polymer Matrix Composites
Most commonly used matrix materials are polymeric. In general, the mechanical properties of polymers are
inadequate for many structural purposes. In particular their strength and stiffness are low compared to metals
and ceramics. These difficulties are overcome by reinforcing other materials with polymers. Secondly the
processing of polymer matrix composites need not involve high pressure and doesn’t require high temperature.

Fig 9 Polymer Matrix Composites

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3.3 Two types of polymer composites are:

3.3.1 Fiber reinforced polymer:

Common fiber reinforced composites are composed of fibers and a matrix. Fibers are the reinforcement and
the main source of strength while matrix glues all the fibers together in shape and transfers stresses between the
reinforcing fibers. Sometimes, filler might be added to smooth the manufacturing process, impact special
properties to the composites, and / or reduce the product cost.

Fig 10 Fiber reinforced polymer

3.3.2 Particle Reinforced Polymer:

Particles used for reinforcing include ceramics and glasses such as small mineral particles, metal particles such
as aluminum and amorphous materials, including polymers and carbon black. Particles are used to increase the
modules of the matrix and to decrease the ductility of the matrix.

Fig 11 Particle Reinforced Polymer

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3.4 FUNCTIONS OF A MATRIX
In a composite material the matrix material serves the following functions
1 Holds the fibres together.
2. Protects the fibres from environment
3. Distributes the loads evenly between fibers so that all fibers are subjected to the same amount of strain.
4. Enhances transverse properties of a laminate.
5. Improves impact and fracture resistance of a component.
6. Carry inter laminar shear
7. Helps to avoid propagation of crack growth through the fibres by providing alternate failure path along the
interface between the fibres and the matrix.

The matrix plays a minor role in the tensile load-carrying capacity of a composite structure. However, selection
of a matrix has a major influence on the inter laminar shear as well as in-plane shear properties of the composite
material The inter laminar shear strength is an important design consideration for structures under bending
loads, whereas the in-plane shear strength is important under torsion loads. The matrix provides lateral support
against the possibility of fiber buckling under compression loading, thus influencing to some extent the
compressive strength of the composite material. The interaction between fibers and matrix is also important in
designing damage tolerant structures.

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3.5 DESIRED PROPERTIES OF A MATRIX
The following are the desired properties of matrix composite materials
1. Reduced moisture absorption.
2. Low shrinkage.
3. Low coefficient of thermal expansion.
4. Good flow characteristics so that it penetrates the fibre bundles completely and eliminates voids during the
compacting/curing process.
5. Reasonable strength, modulus and elongation (elongation should be greater than fibre).
6. Must be elastic to transfer load to fibres.
7. Strength at elevated temperature (depending on application)
8. Low temperature capability (depending on application).
9. Excellent chemical resistance (depending on application)
10. Should be easily processable into the final composite shape.
11. Dimensional stability (maintains as shape).

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CHAPTER 4

4.1 HYBRID COMPOSITE

Hybrid composites are more advanced composites as compared to conventional FRP composites. Hybrids can have more
than one reinforcing phase and a single matrix phase or single reinforcing phase with multiple matrix phases or multiple
reinforcing and multiple matrix phases. They have better flexibility as compared to other fiber reinforced composites.
Normally it contains a high modulus fiber with low modulus fiber. The high-modulus fiber provides the stiffness and load
bearing qualities, whereas the low-modulus fiber makes the composite more damage tolerant and keeps the material cost
low. The mechanical properties of a hybrid composite can be varied by changing volume ratio and stacking sequence of
different plies. Reference to hybrid composites most frequently relates to the kinds of fiber-reinforced materials, usually
resin-based, in which two types of fibers are incorporated into a single matrix. The concept is a simple extension of the
composites principle of combining two or more materials soaps to optimize their value to the engineer, permitting the
exploitation of their better qualities while lessening the effects of their less desirable properties. As such, the definition is
much more restrictive than the reality. Any combination of dissimilar materials could in fact be thought of asa hybrid. A
classic example is the type of structural material in which a metal or paper honeycomb or a rigid plastic foam is bonded
to thin skins of some high-performance FRPs, the skins carrying the high surface tensile and compressive loads and the
core providing lightweight (and cheap) structural stability. The combination of sheets of aluminum alloy with laminates
offered-reinforced resin, as in the commercial product ARALL is a related variety of layered hybrid, and the mixing of
fibrous and particulate fillers in a single resin or metal matrix produces another species of hybrid composite. Some hybrids
of current interest represent attempts to reduce the cost of expensive composites containing reinforcements like carbon
fiber by incorporating a proportion of cheaper, lower-quality fibers such as glass without too seriously reducing the
mechanical properties of the original composite. Of equal importance is the reverse principle that of stiffening a GRP
structure with a small quantity of judiciously placed carbon or aromatic polyamide fiber, without inflicting too great a
cost penalty. In high-technology fields the question of cost may be insignificant by comparison with the advantages of
optimizing properties. In aerospace applications, a familiar purpose of using hybrids is to utilize the natural toughness
of GRP or of Kevlar-fiber-reinforced plastics to offset a perceived brittleness of typical CFRP. From the
designer's point of view the important aspect of using hybrids is that provided there is adequate understanding
of the underlying mechanisms of stiffening, strengthening and toughening, they allow even closer tailoring of
composite properties to suit specific requirements than can be achieved with single-fiber types of composites.

4.2 NATURAL FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES

The wide range of processes used to produce reinforced plastics is partly new, and partly derived from
established methods of processing ordinary polymeric materials. The manner of combining fibers and matrix
into a composite material depends very much on the particular combination in question and on the scale and
geometry of the structure to be manufactured. The commoner varieties of thermoplastic-based materials, like

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glass-filled Nylon and glass-filled polyacetal, are made largely by the injection molding of granules of material
in which the chopped fibers and matrix have been pre-compounded. The principal problem in such cases is that
the flow of material during molding may be non-uniform, especially in mounds of complex geometry. There
may be regions in which the fibers are highly oriented and others where the degree of orientation is almost nil,
as well as variations in fiber content from place to place. Preferential fiber orientation is often useful, but only
if it can be adequately controlled. Some very sophisticated recent developments in multiple live-feed injection
molding by Bevis and co-workers have enabled the inventors to produce short-fiber filled thermoplastics with
very well aligned fiber arrays in different parts of a molding with the result that the properties of these materials
can compete favorably with those of many continuous-fiber composites. Continuous -fiber thermoset
composites are produced by quite different methods. Cylindrically symmetric structures such as pressure
vessels, tanks, rocket-motor casings, centrifuge cylinders, and a variety of pipes, can be made by winding fibers
or tapes soaked with pre-catalyzed resin onto expendable or removable mandrels. Winding patterns may be
simple or complex and may be accurately calculated to resist a prescribed stress system.

4.3 JUTE FIBER

Jute is a best fiber obtained from inner bast tissues of the plant stem. The fibers are bound together by gummy
materials (pectineus substances) which keep the fiber bundles cemented with non-fibrous tissues of jute bark.
These encircling soft tissues must be softened, dissolved and washed away so that the fiber can be obtained
from the stem. This is done by steeping the stems organisms (mainly bacillus bacteria) decompose upon
temperatures and the type of water used. It has been found that the presence of higher the tenacity of fiber.

Fig 12 JUTE FIBER

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4.4 FACTORS AFFECTING PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

The type, distribution, size, shape, orientation and arrangement of the reinforcement will affect the properties
of the composite’s material and its anisotropy.

Distribution of Fiber/Reinforcement Concentration of Reinforcement

Orientation of Reinforcement Shape of Reinforcement

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CHAPTER 5

5.1 ADVANTAGES OF COMPOSITES MATERIALS

Summary of the advantages exhibited by composite materials, which are of significant

use in engineering are as follows:

1. Light in weight and Lower density

2. High creep resistance

3. Strength-to-weight and Stiffness-to-weight are greater than steel or aluminum

4. Fatigue properties are better than common engineering metals

5. Composites cannot corrode like steel

6. Possible to achieve combinations of properties not attainable with metals, ceramics, or polymers alone

7. Ease of fabrication of large complex structural shapes or modules-Modular construction

8. Ability to incorporate sensors in the material to monitor and correct its performance-Smart composites

9. High resistance to impact damage.

10. Improved corrosion resistance

5.2 LIMITATIONS OF COMPOSITES MATERIALS

Some of the associated disadvantages of advanced composites are as follows:

1. High cost of raw materials and fabrication.

2. Composites are more brittle than wrought metals and thus are more easily damaged.

3. Transverse properties may be weak

4. Matrix is weak, therefore, low toughness.

5. Reuse and disposal may be difficult.

6. Difficult to attach

7. Repair introduces new problems, for the following reasons:

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5.3 FAILURE MODES OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

The following are the some of the failure modes of composite materials or composite structures

Delamination is one type of failure mode; composite materials made of different plies stacked together tend to
delaminate. The bending stiffness of delaminated panels can be significantly reduced, even when no visual
defect is visible on the surface or the free edges.

Matrix tensile failure is another mode results in fracture surface resulting from this failure mode is typically
normal to the loading direction. Some fiber splitting at the fracture surface can usually be observed.

Matrix compression failure is actually shear matrix failure. Indeed, the failure occurs at an angle with the
loading direction, which is evidence of the shear nature of the failure process.

Fibre tensile failure mode is explosive. It releases large amounts of energy, and, in structures that cannot
redistribute the load, it typically causes catastrophic failure.

Fibre compression failure mode is largely affected by the resin shear behaviour and imperfections such as the
initial fibre misalignment angle and voids. Typically, kinking bands can be observed at a smaller scale, and are
the result of fibre micro-buckling, matrix shear failure or fibre failure.

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5.4 APPLICATIONS OF HYBRID COMPOSITE MATERIALS

1. Aeronautical Applications: Commercial aircraft applications are the most important uses of hybrid
composites. Aircraft, unlike other vehicles, need to lay greater stress on safety and weight. They are achieved
by using materials with high specific properties. A modern civil aircraft must be so designed as to meet the
numerous criteria of power and safety

2. Wind Power Generation: The wind-power engineering is a priority area of energy generation due to its
resource-saving and ecologically safe. The power cost primary is determined substantially by basic power
element – blades. At present hybrid fibres (carbon, glass) are mainly used for fabrication of the blades. The task
of cost reduction may be solved through application of the less expensive materials in comparison with carbon
fibres. For blade creation an application of new composite hybrid material is suggested on the basis of epoxy
matrixes, strengthened by mullite-like crystals, as well as – on combinations of high-strength and high-modulus
basalt and carbon fibres.

3. Hybrid Smart Memory Composites: Increasing demands on the performance of materials used in
engineering applications necessitate the development of so called adaptive, multifunctional, smart, or intelligent
materials. The concept of smart hybrid composites with embedded elements emerged in the late 1980’s and
attracted a worldwide research interest in the last decade. SMA composite materials are created by embedding
SMA elements in the form of wires, ribbons, or particles into matrix materials such as polymers, fibre-reinforced
polymers, metals, or ceramics.

4. Marine Applications: Ships are under constant attack, both from the elements of nature and the enemy. The
vast majority of ship hulls are constructed from common carbon steels, which are obviously susceptible to
corrosion, but they also create distinct thermal and electromagnetic signatures easily detectable from long
distances. Nonetheless, even methods which are staples of the industry have shortfalls.

Fig 13 Marine Applications

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5.Hybrid Thermoplastic Application: Thermoplastic advanced composites have long held potential for mass-
producing lightweight structural parts. Unlike thermoset-based composites, which undergo time consuming chemical
cross-linking during processing, thermoplastic-based composites are typically processed using only heat and pressure.
The helmet shape is one that the Army has developed for its Future Force Warrior (FFW) initiative. Currently, the US
Army uses helmets of a different design. These helmets, called PASGT helmets, are made using a composite comprising
aramid fabric in a thermoset matrix. One overarching goal of the FFW helmet is to reduce weight compared to the PASGT
helmet. The construction must also be strong enough to withstand the daily wear of a soldier’s activities and provide
improved ballistic protection. The FFW construction that Fibre forge investigated includes a tough, stiff carbon-fibre
reinforced thermoplastic shell bonded to an aramid reinforced thermoplastic composite ballistic layer. The carbon fibre
shell stiffens the helmet and improves wear resistance. The aramid provides ballistic performance.

Fig 14 Hybrid Thermoplastic Application

6. Hybrid Composites for Telecom Applications: Need of telecommunication industries of power

transmission along with data transmission is increasing, which felt the need to explore the innovative product
category called Hybrid Cable. Hybrid aerial, underground cable is very innovative and versatile cabling solution
with in built power transmission required for network equipment’s with OFC cables. Hybrid Composite Cable
is need of a day, firstly to support for Power transmission for always ON (Interrupt free) telecom needs. The
telecom network elements & terminations are powered with help of this copper pair. Secondly, the Copper pair
also used for critical signalling needs for railway signalling & fibre optic element for Telecom application.

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CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION

1.Several innovative FRP systems have been presented showing the different advergames that cache of them
can provide to designers and contractors involved in these types of upgrade. Three case studies, among the many
realized using innovative materials have been described showing how these advanced materials can be used for
strengthening and retrofitting reinforced concrete as well as masonry historical structures providing a surely
more effective technical as well as economic effectiveness of the overall work.

2. Currently, about 40,000 composite products are in use for an array of applications in diverse sectors of the
industry all over the world. While China and India started making use of composites almost simultaneously
about 30 years ago, the progress made by China is rather astounding with a consumption level of about 2,00,000
MT, as compared to about 30,000 MT in India.

3. Fibre reinforced composite plate bonding offers significant advantages over steel plate bonding for the vast
majority of strengthening applications.

4. Innovative thermoset composite products as well as thermoplastic composites would go a long way in
developing new application areas thus enhancing its market reach. India with an excellent knowledge-base in
various resins, catalysts and curing systems coupled with an adequate availability of various raw materials can
certainly carve out a niche in the upcoming technology of composite fabrication.

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CHAPTER 7

7.1 REFERENCES

1. Swolfs Y, Verpoest I, Gorbatikh L. Recent advances in fibre-hybrid composites:

materials selection, opportunities and applications. International Materials
Reviews. 2019 May 19;64(4):181-215.

2. Gururaja MN, Rao AH. A review on recent applications and future prospectus of
hybrid composites. International Journal of Soft Computing and Engineering. 2012
Jan;1(6):352-5.

3. Adams DF, Miller AK. An analysis of the impact behavior of hybrid composite
materials. Materials Science and Engineering. 1975 Jun 1;19(2):245-60.

4. Sinha AK, Narang HK, Bhattacharya S. Mechanical properties of hybrid polymer

composites: a review. Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and
Engineering. 2020 Aug; 42:1-
5. Hayashi, T. 'On the improvement of mechanical properties of composites by hybrid
composition', Proceedings of the Eighth International Reinforced Plastics
Conference (October 1972)

6. D.A. Griffin, T.D. Aswill: Proceedings of the 48 International SAMPE Symposium

and Exhibition. Long Beach, CA (2003).

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