Mechanical characterization of Kevlar/basalt fiber/epoxy hybrid composites containing multiwalled carbon nanotube particles

Bahjat Hardan Sulaiman; Ahmet Erkliğ; Ömer Yavuz Bozkurt; Atban R. Abdo; Mehmet Bulut

doi:10.1515/ijmr-2024-0316

Article

Mechanical characterization of Kevlar/basalt fiber/epoxy hybrid composites containing multiwalled carbon nanotube particles

Bahjat Hardan Sulaiman , Ahmet Erkliğ , Ömer Yavuz Bozkurt , Atban R. Abdo and Mehmet Bulut

Published/Copyright: July 25, 2025

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From the journal International Journal of Materials Research Volume 116 Issue 8

Abstract

In the pursuit of advanced materials for high-performance applications, hybrid fiber-reinforced composites have emerged as a promising solution due to their ability to combine the strengths of multiple materials. This study experimentally investigates the mechanical properties of hybrid basalt/Kevlar fiber-reinforced epoxy composite laminates incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) particles. Test samples were fabricated using a vacuum-assisted hand lay-up process with varying MWCNT weight ratios (0, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 wt.%) and two stacking sequences ([K5B10K5] and [B5K10B5]). Results indicated that optimal MWCNT content significantly enhanced mechanical properties. At 0.1 wt.%, flexural strength and modulus improved by 51 % and 27 %, respectively. Tensile strength and modulus peaked at 0.25 wt.% with enhancements of 17 % and 2 %, respectively. However, excessive MWCNT loading (0.5 wt.%) led to particle agglomeration, reducing performance. These findings highlight the importance of nanoparticle dispersion and interfacial bonding in hybrid composites, offering valuable insights for the development of lightweight, high-strength materials for aerospace, automotive, and protective applications.

Keywords: flexural strength; tensile strength; basalt fiber; Kevlar fiber; MWCNT nanoparticles

Corresponding author: Mehmet Bulut, Sivas Technical Sciences Vocational School Machine Department, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Türkiye, E-mail: mehmet.bulut@cumhuriyet.edu.tr

Research ethics: Not applicable.
Informed consent: Not applicable.
Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
Conflict of interest: The author states no conflict of interest.
Research funding: None declared.
Data availability: Not applicable.

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Received: 2024-11-25

Accepted: 2025-03-14

Published Online: 2025-07-25

Published in Print: 2025-08-26

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/ijmr-2024-0316

Keywords for this article

flexural strength; tensile strength; basalt fiber; Kevlar fiber; MWCNT nanoparticles