Abstract
The demand for advanced polymer matrix composites with superior strength, wear resistance, stiffness, and reduced weight is increasing. This study introduces a novel hybrid laminate architecture in which carbon and glass fiber yarns are alternately hand-woven over stainless steel 304 wire mesh (SSWM) and embedded in a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) matrix. Unlike conventional CFRP or mesh-reinforced composites, this design integrates metallic mesh with woven fiber yarns to achieve enhanced load transfer and damage tolerance. Four composites with yarn orientations of 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° were fabricated using the hand layup method. Pin-on-disc wear tests revealed that CFWM 60° exhibited the lowest wear rate (41 mm3/Nm at 10 N), a 70.3% reduction compared to CFWM 90°. Erosion tests at 75 m/s and a 90° impingement angle using alumina particles showed that CFWM 45° had the best performance (0.142 g/g), 36.88% lower than CFWM 60°. The orientation-driven improvements were attributed to superior interfacial bonding, controlled crack deflection, and optimized load distribution. Fractography using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis confirmed reduced fiber pull-out and matrix degradation in CFWM 60° and 45° configurations. This study demonstrates the tribological performance of woven CF/GF-SSWM hybrid laminates.
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