Hybrid composite laminates including carbon fibers and natural fibers, hence basalt and/or vegetable ones, draw on the experiences accumulated in studying the hybridization of fiberglass with carbon or natural fibers. Yet, in the case of carbon/natural fiber composites, the sense is different: in particular, the idea is to accept the reduction of properties from bare carbon fiber composites and the unavoidable complication in processing, induced by hybridization. The compensation obtained, which offers a rationale to this operation, is the improved toughness and a significant modification of the different modes of failure. This would bring a higher energy absorption and a substantially more effective damage tolerance. The aforementioned characteristics are particularly of interest in the case of flexural properties, impact properties, and residual post-impact performance.
Keywords: carbon fibers; composites; impact performance; natural fibers.