Mechanical and microstructural characterization of hybrid fiber metal laminates obtained through sustainable manufacturing

Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) provide lucrative solutions for lightweight commercial aircrafts. They are a class of hybrid composites made from interlaced layers of thin metals and fiber-reinforced adhesives. The present investigation deals with the effects of hybridization and stacking sequence of aluminum sheets (A), jute (J) and Kevlar (K) fibers on the flexural, impact, hardness and tensile properties. Three distinct configurations A/K/A/K/A/K/A (I), A/J/A/K/A/J/A (II) and A/K/J/A/J/K/A (III) of FMLs have been chosen and designed for evaluation of their mechanical attributes. Comparative analysis shows that configuration A/K/J/A/J/K/A (III) offers superior results for flexural, impact, shore D hardness and tensile properties due to hybridization and appropriate stacking sequence with their maximum values as 495 N, 10.4 J, 85.4 and 325.6 MPa, respectively. Outer Kevlar layers supported by the subsequent jute fiber layers enable the configuration A/ K/J/A/J/K/A (III) to resist better when subjected to high mechanical load. Moreover, the microstructural analysis revealed that the jute fibers make a stronger bond with aluminum and Kevlar fibers which prevents FMLs from delamination and early failure.