Influence of the Stacking Sequence on the Mechanical Properties of Glass/Sisal Hybrid Composites

ABSTRACT: This study focused on the mechanical properties of pure sisal, pure glass, and hybrid sisal/glass compression-molded composites, in which various stacking sequences of fiber mat layers were used. It is shown that hybridization originated a material with general intermediate properties between pure glass and pure sisal. However, the importance of controlling the stacking sequence to enhance properties was evident. For instance, to optimize flexural behavior, there must be glass fibers mainly on the top and bottom surfaces. Furthermore, depending on the type of loading and stacking sequence, some hybrid composites may show properties very close to those of pure glass. KEY WORDS: hybrid, laminates, mechanical properties, compression molding