Influence of stacking sequence and halloysite addition on the fracture toughness and low‐velocity impact strength of carbon/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites

The objective of this study is to produce bidirectional woven carbon/glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites and to assess their fracture toughness (FT) and low‐velocity impact strength. The composites were produced for the study by changing the stacking order of fiber layers using a vacuum assisted resin infusion process. In addition, the consequence of halloysite nano‐clay addition on the above properties were explored. The outcomes disclosed that the arrangement of fiber layer notably influences the FT and low‐velocity impact strength of the composites. Particularly, the addition of more carbon fiber layers played a key role in enhancing the FT of hybrid composites, while a reverse trend was observed for low‐velocity impact strength of composites due to the elastic nature of glass fibers, which absorbs more energy through global deformation. Additionally, the incorporation of halloysites enhanced the FT and impact strength of hybrid composites due to increased interfacial adhesion between composite elements. In addition, morphological analysis was conducted to evaluate the damage morphologies and failure mechanisms of tested laminates, which offers crucial information for the structural design of these laminates as well as for the enhancement of their performance. Highlights Fracture toughness and impact strength of hybrid composites were investigated. Arranging carbon fibers on the extreme layers enhanced the fracture toughness. Glass fiber used in hybrid composite supports to increase their impact strength. Addition of halloysite improved the overall performance of hybrid composites. Characterization of hybrid composites fabricated using vacuum‐assisted resin infusion technique.