1 results listed
Abstract
Fiber Metal Laminate (FML) with specific strength and low densities, which is a family of hybrid composite
structure formed from the combination of metal layers sandwiching a fiber-reinforced plastic layer, have big potential in
aeronautical applications in nowadays [1]. Researchers have tried to fabricate laminated composite materials in order to
meet demands of industry. Available literature describes already applied laminates consisting of aluminium alloys and
glass fibres (GLARE®), carbon fibres (CARALL®) and aramid fibres (ARALL®) [2]–[4]. Today, materials research is
moving towards natural fibre composites/laminates. It is because of factors such as low weight, cost effectiveness, man’s
desire to go in for natural products, environment friendliness, renewable nature, biodegradability with respect to fiber,
and ready use of plants/trees with less processing [5]. The aim of this study is to investigate of microstructural and
mechanical performance of metal laminated composite using both natural fibers and industrial fibers as reinforcement.
1050 H24 Aluminum sheet with 0.25 mm thickness was used as matrix material. Silk fabric and S2-glass fiber were
reinforced with aluminum separately. Aluminum sheets were cut to suitable size for hot pressing. Mechanical grinding
was applied to improve surface roughness and adhesion mechanism. Metal sheets were washed with distilled water and
ethanol, respectively. Then they were waited in the chromic acid solution. Epoxy resin and hardener were weighed
(100:20 ratio %wt) and mixed homogenously for lamination process. Two different samples for each reinforced composite
were prepared for curing process under heat and pressure in the hot-pressing device according to the metal-fiber-metal-
fiber-metal stacking sequence (Figure 1) by hand lay-up. The prepared laminate composites were cured at 80 °C and
under 1 ton pressure for three hours. Microstructures of laminate composites were characterized using Scanning Electron
Microscope (SEM). Samples were prepared for tensile test to examine mechanical properties. Results show that good
adhesive bonding was achieved and there were no macro defects such as porosities in microstructure for all specimens.
Composites exhibited different mechanical performance (Table 1) and S-2 glass fiber reinforced composite showed best
mechanical properties among the specimens. But when the adhesion mechanism of the silk fabric to the resin is improved,
it can be used as an alternative natural reinforcement for fiber metal laminates.
International Symposium on Light Alloys and Composite Materials
UHAKS
Mustafa Yunus ASKIN
Yunus Türen
MUHAMMET EMRE TURAN
Yavuz Sun
Hayrettin Ahlatçı