Effects of stacking sequence on the mechanical properties of hybrid bamboo/glass fiber composites

Stacking sequence is identified as dominant factor affecting the mechanical properties of hybrid composites recently. The relationship between failure mechanisms and stacking sequence and their effects on mechanical properties of hybrid composites are not known. This study investigates the effects of stacking sequence on the mechanical properties of hybrid bamboo/glass fiber composites to determine the relationship between stacking sequence and failure mechanisms. All possible arrangements of 2 layers of bamboo and 2 layers E-glass were fabricated using hand lay-up method and analyzed with tensile, flexural, and shear tests. The determined x-direction tensile modulus, strength, and strain as well as y-direction tensile modulus and strength are 11.66 – 17.19 GPa, 94.56 – 155.33 MPa, 0.0081 – 0.0104, 6.92 – 9.37 GPa, and 82.04 – 110.38 MPa respectively, the flexural modulus, strength, strain are 4.43 – 7.89 GPa, 122.25 – 188.99 MPa, and 0.0285 – 0.073 respectively, while the shear modulus, strength, and strain are 1.61 – 2.27 GPa, 32.43 – 39.60 MPa, and 0.0438 – 0.0468 respectively, depending upon stacking sequence. No stacking sequence dominates all these properties. Stacking sequence with the best overall mechanical properties is [B/G/B/G], having the best tensile and shear properties but average flexural properties. It is investigated that stacking sequence affects the tensile and shear properties of hybrid bamboo/glass fiber composites through fiber dispersion which then link to interfacial adhesion. Scanning electron microscope analysis was used to verify this relationship. Flexural properties are affected by the sequence of fibers to be subjected to tensile and compressive loads. Having these properties, it is preliminary assessed that hybrid bamboo/glass fiber composites show potentials to become the materials of interior panels of aircraft that will be subjected to moderate load. They might also replace more plastic materials in near future.