The Effect of Glass-fiber Surface Modification (Coupling agent/Corona) on Response of Composite Structures towards High-Velocity Impact

This research concerns with response of composite panels reinforced with surface modified glass fiber fabric under high velocity impact. Four types of surface modification were applied to the fiber surface, namely: virgin fabric, silane treated, Corona treated, and silane + Corona treated fabric. High velocities tested were conducted via a smooth bore gas gun in the range of 88 to 144 m/s. Four layered [0/90 , ±452 , 0/90] composite panels were made with hand layup method, the resin used was orthophthalic unsaturated polyester. In lower velocity rate, result showed considerable increase in ballistic performance of the panels containing silane + corona treated fabric. The energy absorption, in upper velocity rate, for these composite panels with silane treated fabric showed as much as 35.77% increase compared to composite panels containing Corona treated virgin fabric.