Mechanical Characterization of a Fly Ash and Glass Fibers Reinforced Hybrid Epoxy Composite

The chapter focuses on the mechanical characterization of a hybrid epoxy composite reinforced with glass fibers and fly ash. It begins by introducing the concept of composite materials and the advantages of using epoxy resins as a matrix. The study then delves into the fabrication process of the hybrid composite, detailing the use of glass fibers and fly ash as reinforcement and filler materials, respectively. The chapter highlights the impact of fly ash on the composite's mechanical properties, including hardness, compressive strength, and impact strength. Through a series of mechanical tests, the study demonstrates how varying the concentration of fly ash affects these properties. Notably, the chapter shows that while fly ash enhances compressive strength and hardness, it negatively impacts impact strength. The findings suggest that careful consideration of fly ash content is crucial for optimizing the composite's performance. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the future scope of research, emphasizing the potential for further exploration of different mechanical and electrical properties with varying epoxy resins.