Evaluation of the stiffening mechanism based on micro-sized particle inclusions in laminated composites

Rigid particles have been incorporated into laminated composites, especially to enhance their bending performance attributed to the stiffening of the matrix phase (i) and the increased interlaminar shear resistance (ii). In order to better evaluate the improvement mechanism provided by the particulate inclusions, this work investigates the incorporation of micro-sized silica on the top, bottom and both surfaces of glass fibre laminates, mitigating the interference of the interlocking effect. Three-point bending, and impact tests are performed to evaluate the hybrid glass fibre composites conta...