Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Advantex Fiber, Glass Fiber, and Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites have become increasingly important in modern engineering applications because of their superior mechanical properties, lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility. The growing demand for high-performance materials in automotive, aerospace, marine, and structural industries has accelerated research into advanced composite systems capable of providing enhanced strength and durability while reducing structural weight. Among various reinforcement materials, glass fibres and advanced glass fibres such as Advantex have gained significant attention due to their excellent mechanical characteristics and environmental resistance. In addition, hybrid composite systems have emerged as promising alternatives by combining the advantages of multiple reinforcement fibres within a single matrix structure. The present study focuses on the fabrication and mechanical characterization of Advantex fibre, glass fibre, and hybrid fibre reinforced polymer composites using the hand lay-up technique. Polyester and epoxy resin systems were utilized as matrix materials, while glass fibres and Advantex fibres served as reinforcement materials. Composite laminates were fabricated under controlled conditions and prepared according to ASTM standards for mechanical testing. Tensile testing was conducted according to ASTM D3039, hardness testing was performed using ASTM D2240 Shore D standards, and impact testing was carried out according to ASTM D256. Experimental results revealed significant differences in mechanical behaviour among the fabricated composite systems. Glass fibre reinforced composites exhibited the highest tensile strength of 151.59 MPa and hardness value of 86.9 Shore D, indicating superior load-carrying capacity and resistance to surface deformation. Hybrid composites demonstrated the highest impact strength of 55.59 kJ/m² due to improved energy absorption mechanisms such as fibre pull-out, matrix cracking, and delamination. Advantex fibre composites displayed balanced mechanical properties with enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. The comparative analysis confirms that reinforcement type, fibre architecture, and hybridization significantly influence the mechanical performance of FRP composites. The study demonstrates that glass fibre composites are suitable for strength-critical applications, while hybrid composites are advantageous for impact-resistant structures. Advantex fibre composites provide an effective balance between strength, toughness, and environmental durability. The findings contribute to the development of lightweight and high-performance composite materials for advanced engineering applications.