In this study, the effect of stacking sequence on the flexural and fracture properties of carbon/basalt/epoxy hybrid composites was investigated. Two types of carbon/basalt/epoxy hybrid composites with a sandwich form were fabricated: basalt skin-carbon core (BSCC) composites and carbon skin-basalt core (CSBC) composites. Fracture tests were conducted and the fracture surfaces of the carbon/basalt/epoxy hybrid composites were then examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the CSBC specimen respectively were ~32% and ~245% greater than those of the BSCC specimen. However, the interlaminar fracture toughness of the CSBC specimen was ~10% smaller than that of the BSCC specimen. SEM results on the fracture surface showed that matrix cracking is a dominant fracture mechanism for the CSBC specimen while interfacial debonding between fibers and epoxy resin is a dominant fracture process for the BSCC specimen.

• Lim, Jae Il(Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University)
• Rhee, Kyong Yop( Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University) | Rhee, Kyong Yop
• Kim, Hyun Ju( Maritime and Ocean Engineering Research Institute, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology) | Kim, Hyun Ju
• Jung, Dong Ho( Maritime and Ocean Engineering Research Institute, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology) | Jung, Dong Ho