Mechanical, Structural, and Tribological Characterization of Kevlar Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Advanced Engineering Applications

This study dives into the creation and mechanical analysis of Kevlar fiber-reinforced epoxy composites (KFCs) made with different fiber weight percentages ranging from 3 to 18 wt.%. By reinforcing a thermoset epoxy matrix with Kevlar fibers, the goal was to enhance its stiffness, strength, toughness, and wear resistance. Using Raman spectroscopy, the researchers uncovered the molecular interactions between the fibers and the matrix, while SEM/EDS analyses confirmed that the fibers were successfully integrated and highlighted microstructural features like fiber pull-out and matrix cracking. Mechanical tests showed that the best properties were achieved with 6 to 12 wt.% reinforcement; beyond that, too much fiber led to a decline in performance. The composites exhibited notable improvements in bending strength, Young’s modulus, elongation at break, and wear resistance compared to pure epoxy. However, the impact strength did take a slight hit with the addition of fibers, likely due to inadequate energy dissipation at the fiber-matrix interface. These results emphasize the need to fine-tune fiber content and distribution to optimize composite performance for demanding applications such as ballistic protection and lightweight structural components.