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

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.