Tensile, impact, and the damping performance of woven flax‐carbon hybrid polyamide biocomposites

Abstract

Fiber hybridization is suggested to enhance the properties of fiber‐reinforced composites. Regarding the matrix, thermoplastic alternatives to conventional thermosets are needed to balance mechanical performance and sustainability. We combined woven flax and carbon fibers with a polyamide 11 matrix into a hybrid biocomposite and studied its manufacturing process as well as its impact, tensile, and damping properties. Mechanical damage was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray computed tomography. Hybridization significantly improved the tensile properties: 233% higher modulus and 432% higher strength than pure flax composites and 19% higher failure strain than pure carbon composites. Additionally, the hybrid composites exhibited a positive hybrid effect with respect to the impact resistance, characterized by higher displacement at maximum impact force and occurrence of combined damage mechanisms. Although the damping behavior of the hybrid composites remained inferior to that of pure flax composites, their damping factor was 20% higher than that of pure carbon composites. These results provide valuable insights into the mechanical performance of carbon‐flax hybrid composites.Highlights Enhanced mechanical performance and impact resistance in woven flax‐carbon/PA11 hybrid biocomposite compared to nonhybrid reference composites. Superior tensile modulus and strength of hybrid biocomposite than pure flax fiber composite, and greater failure strain than pure carbon fiber composite. A positive hybridization effect in impact properties with a greater displacement at maximum force and higher dissipated impact energy, indicating enhanced ductility and fracture toughness. Improved damping behavior in hybrid biocomposite compared to the pure carbon composite.