Mechanical and thermal characterization of Kevlar–Basalt hybrid composites reinforced with Al ₂ O ₃ nanoparticles

Abstract Nanoparticle-reinforced hybrid composites have emerged as promising candidates for lightweight structural applications requiring improved mechanical and thermal performance. Kevlar–Basalt fiber systems, in particular, offer a balance of strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. This work investigates the effect of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticle incorporation on Kevlar–Basalt hybrid laminates. Six laminate configurations, including pure Kevlar, pure Basalt, Kevlar–Basalt hybrid, and hybrids reinforced with 0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 % Al 2 O 3 , were fabricated and tested according to ASTM standards. Mechanical characterization included tensile, compressive, and interlaminar shear tests, while thermo-mechanical behavior was assessed using DMA and TGA. The findings demonstrate that 1 % Al 2 O 3 incorporation yields the most favorable performance, with notable improvements in strength, interlaminar adhesion, and thermal stability compared to other variants. These results suggest that optimized Kevlar–Basalt/Al 2 O 3 hybrid composites are suitable for demanding engineering applications such as aerospace and lightweight armor structures, where mechanical integrity and heat resistance are essential.