Effect of hybridization on the mechanical performance and cost efficiency of carbon/flax bio‐hybrid composites

This research investigates the effects of fiber hybridization on the mechanical performance of carbon/flax bio‐hybrid laminates. The study comprised of manufacturing and analyzing five distinct composite laminates, comprising pure carbon and various carbon/flax configurations with symmetric and asymmetric layups. The laminates were subjected to uniaxial tensile and low‐velocity impact testing at energy levels from 30 to 75 J. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted to assess the damage/failure patterns to determine the changes due to hybridization and stacking sequence. The experimental results revealed that integrating flax layers into different bio‐hybrid configurations significantly influences their strength, stiffness and impact resistance. One of symmetric layups, having uniform distribution of flax layers throughout thickness, demonstrated the most enhanced performance. To facilitate comprehensive comparison, two indices were developed: Composite‐Performance Index (CPI) and Cost‐Effectiveness Index (CEI). These indices indicate that bio‐hybrid configurations, optimally designed with appropriate number of evenly distributed flax layers, can match or surpass performance of pure carbon layup. The study concludes that incorporating flax into carbon fiber laminates can yield substantial benefits in impact performance with slight compromise in tensile strength and stiffness. However, the overall cost efficiency of bio‐hybrid composites is superior, considering both tensile strength and impact performance. Highlights Effect of fiber hybridization on the mechanical performance of hybrid laminates was studied. Carbon/Flax composites exhibited slightly lower tensile strength compared to carbon‐based layup. Symmetric layups with evenly distributed flax layers showed enhanced impact performance. Cost efficiency of bio‐hybrid composites is superior for both tensile and impact performance. Flowchart for investigating the effect of fibre hybridization on the tensile and low velocity impact behaviour of carbon/flax bio‐hybrid composites.