Properties of multi-layered polymer composites with Vectran fiber reinforcement

For several decades, there has been a particular interest in the use of composite materials in the construction of air transport resulting from the need to minimize their weight and reduce production costs. Polymer matrix composites with fiber reinforcement are the most frequently used composites group in the aviation industry. One of the less frequently used modern reinforcement fibers is Vectran fibers, produced from liquid crystal polymer. Recognizing the potential applications of Vectran fibers in the construction of composites used in aircraft constructions, a series of tests was carried out on various properties of composites reinforced with Vectran fibers, and additionally assessed the effect of hybridization of laminar composite reinforcement with the base reinforcement of Vectran fibers. Additionally, knowing the problem of low impact resistance of layered composites, research was carried out to determine the effect of low-energy impact loads on the mechanical properties of such composites. For the purposes of the study, composite panels with three different types of reinforcements were made and experimental studies were carried out to assess the strength and thermophysical properties of the prepared materials. LH 285 epoxy resin with hardener H285 was used as the matrix for all tested composites. Based on the conducted research and analysis of their results, it can be stated that the addition of carbon fibers increases the impact strength of a Vectran fiber-reinforced composite as well as its bending and interlayer shear strength.