Impact behavior of kevlar-epoxy composites: the effect of aluminium oxynitride reinforcement
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24867/JPE-2025-01-032Keywords:
Kevlar-epoxy composite, Aluminium Oxynitride, Impact Resistance, Crack deflection, Nanoparticle reinforcement, Aerospace applications, Damage resistanceAbstract
This study investigates the impact performance of Kevlar–epoxy composites reinforced with aluminium oxynitride (AlON) nanoparticles, aiming to optimize energy absorption and damage resistance. To address gaps in current research, composites with AlON concentrations of 0%, 2%, 5%, and 10% were fabricated using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). Impact tests conducted in accordance with ASTM D7136 standards evaluated the composites’ response to high-energy impacts. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of AlON significantly enhanced the impact resistance of the composites, with the 5% AlON variant showing a 39% improvement in absorbed energy compared to the unreinforced baseline. This increase in toughness was primarily attributed to crack deflection and bridging mechanisms provided by the well-dispersed AlON particles. However, at 10% AlON, particle agglomeration introduced stress concentrations, leading to reduced performance gains. Comprehensive analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultrasonic C-scan imaging revealed reduced delamination areas, minimized matrix cracking, and improved homogeneity of AlON dispersion in the 5% composite. These findings included a 35% reduction in delamination area compared to the control, underscoring the effectiveness of the 5% AlON reinforcement. Response surface methodology (RSM) further validated that 5% AlON was the optimal reinforcement level, offering the best balance between impact resistance and material stability. Overall, AlON-reinforced Kevlar–epoxy composites—particularly those containing 5% AlON—exhibit strong potential for lightweight, high-impact applications. Future research should investigate their environmental durability under extreme conditions, including thermal cycling and moisture exposure, to ensure long-term performance.
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