Experimental Evaluation of Low-Velocity Impact Performance of Glass–Basalt Hybrid Composites: Influence of Fiber Weight Fraction and Impact Energy Levels

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Mechanical Department Marwadi University Rajkot - 360003 Gujarat

2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dean-Faculty of Technology, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat

Abstract

The growing demand for lightweight structural materials with high impact resistance and energy absorption has driven research into hybrid composites. This study aims to develop a hybrid composite by combining natural basalt fiber with synthetic glass fiber and evaluating the effect of basalt fiber weight fraction on low-velocity impact performance. Composite laminates were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique with epoxy as the thermosetting matrix and reinforced with glass and basalt fibers at varying basalt contents: 0%, 18%, 36%, 52%, 72%, and 100%. Low-velocity impact tests were carried out as per the ASTM D7136 guidelines at three distinct energy levels: 20 J, 40 J, and 80 J. Internal damage was assessed using visual inspection and C-scan imaging, while ANOVA was used to statistically analyze the influence of fiber weight fraction on impact force, energy absorption, and damage area. Pure basalt laminates demonstrated high stiffness but brittle failure, while pure glass laminates absorbed more energy due to their higher ductility. The results revealed that among the hybrid laminates, the laminate with 52% basalt fiber demonstrated the most balanced combination of stiffness, energy absorption, and damage area, exhibiting strong hybrid synergy across all energy levels. These findings demonstrate the potential of basalt-glass hybrid composites as sustainable, lightweight, and impact-resistant materials.

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Main Subjects

Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 April 2026

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