Study on the Permeability Mechanism of Aramid Fiber/Glass Fiber Hybrid Fabrics

Abstract

Aramid fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites exhibit exceptional mechanical and insulating properties, so they are widely used in ultra-high-voltage power transmission applications. Permeability, an inherent property of the fiber fabric, plays a critical role in defect control in aramid fiber composites. Currently, permeability properties of aramid fibers and their hybrid counterparts have not been researched. In this study, the permeability properties of aramid fiber fabrics, glass fiber fabrics, and hybrid fabrics are investigated using digital cameras and pressure sensors. Fabric structure was studied using a combination of three-dimensional ultra-deep microscopes, AFM and SEM, using various hybrid methods. The wettability of materials with different hybridization is evaluated by analyzing the dynamic contact angle and surface free energy. The research results show that the in-plane permeability of aramid/glass fiber hybrid fabrics is 36.19% higher than that of aramid fibers, while the out-of-plane permeability is 16.79% higher. Within the layers, the in-plane permeability of the hybrid fabric with glass fibers increased by 64.97%, while the out-of-plane permeability increased by 30.1%. These results show a positive hybrid effect of the fiber combination, which has higher permeability within the layers than between the layers.