Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Different Conditioning Temperatures on Mode-I Fracture Toughness in Intraply Hybrid Carbon/Aramid/Elium Composites

Abstract

This study investigates the Mode-I fracture toughness performance of intraply hybrid carbon/aramid fiber-reinforced Elium thermoplastic composites under various thermal conditioning temperatures ranging from -50 °C to +50 °C. Specimens were manufactured using the hand lay-up assisted vacuum infusion method and subjected to Double-Cantilever Beam (DCB) tests. The results demonstrate that thermal conditioning significantly influences the interlaminar fracture energy. Specifically, sub-zero conditioning at -50 °C resulted in a 10.41% increase in fracture toughness compared to the reference temperature (+25 °C), reaching a value of 1240.30 J/m2, which is attributed to enhanced fiber bridging. Notably, at +50 °C, the fracture toughness reached its peak value of 1242.61 J/m2, representing a 10.61% improvement. This enhancement is linked to the softening effect and increased ductility of the Elium matrix as it approaches its glass transition region. The study’s original contribution lies in characterizing the thermal resilience of these recyclable hybrid composites, proving that Elium-based systems can maintain and even enhance their damage tolerance under fluctuating environmental conditions. These findings provide critical data for the design of sustainable and high-performance structural components in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Keywords

• Carbon/aramid intraply
• Double-cantilever beam
• Elium
• Fracture toughness
• Hybrid composite
• Thermal conditioning

References

1. Adem, E., Batu, T., Onal, G., & Wu, Q. (2025). Investigation of fracture behaviour of hybrid composite materials under compact tension. Results in Engineering, 25, Article 104616. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2024.104616
2. Alsaadi, M., & Erklig, A. (2021). Mode-I interlaminar fracture of aramid and carbon fibers reinforced epoxy matrix composites at various SiC particle contents. Materialprufung/Materials Testing, 63(10), 913–918. https://doi.org/10.1515/mt-2021-0021
3. Alsaadi, M., Bulut, M., Erklig, A., & Jabbar, A. (2018). Nano-silica inclusion effects on mechanical and dynamic behavior of fiber reinforced carbon/kevlar with epoxy resin hybrid composites. Composites Part B: Engineering, 152, 169–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.06.027
4. Alsaadi, M., Erklig, A., & Abbas, M. (2020). Effect of clay nanoparticles on the mechanical and vibration characteristics of intraply aramid/carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite. Polymer Composites, 41(7), 2704–2712. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.25568
5. Altinbay, A., Dogu, M., & Unal, A. (2025). Thermoplastic composite pipe production from glass fiber/polypropylene hybrid yarns using filament winding method. Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science, 8(3), 25–26. https://doi.org/10.34248/bsengineering.1542300
6. Ates, E. (2023). Shooting trials with light weapons to determine the defensive usability of polymer composites. Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science, 6(2), 74–86. https://doi.org/10.34248/bsengineering.1215421
7. Bamane, S. S., Deshpande, P. P., Patil, S. U., Maiaru, M., & Odegard, G. M. (2024). Evolution of physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly (methyl methacrylate)-based Elium thermoplastic polymer during polymerization. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 128(37), 15639–15648. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c04212
8. Bandaru, A. K., Chavan, V. V., Ahmad, S., Alagirusamy, R., & Bhatnagar, N. (2016). Ballistic impact response of Kevlar® reinforced thermoplastic composite armors. International Journal of Impact Engineering, 89, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2015.10.014

9. Bandaru, A., Khan, A. N., Durmaz, T., Alagirusamy, R., & O'Higgins, R. (2023). Improved mechanical properties of multi-layered PTFE composites through hybridisation. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 164, Article 107312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107312
10. Barbosa, L. C. M., Bortoluzzi, D. B., & Ancelotti Jr, A. C. (2019). Analysis of fracture toughness in mode II and fractographic study of composites based on Elium® 150 thermoplastic matrix. Composites Part B: Engineering, 175, Article 107082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.107082
11. Bhudolia, S. K., Perrotey, P., & Joshi, S. C. (2016). Experimental investigation on suitability of carbon fibre thin plies for racquets. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, 230(2), 64–72. https://doi.org/10.1177/1754337115579309
12. Bhudolia, S. K., Perrotey, P., & Joshi, S. C. (2018). Mode I fracture toughness and fractographic investigation of carbon fibre composites with liquid methylmethacrylate thermoplastic matrix. Composites Part B: Engineering, 134, 246–253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2017.09.057
13. Boumbimba, R. M., Coulibaly, M., Khabouchi, A., Kinvi-Dossou, G., Bonfoh, N., & Gerard, P. (2017). Glass fibres reinforced acrylic thermoplastic resin-based tri-block copolymers composites: Low velocity impact response at various temperatures. Composite Structures, 160, 939–951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2016.10.125
14. Bulut, M., Alsaadi, M., & Erklig, A. (2020). The effects of nanosilica and nanoclay particles inclusions on mode II delamination, thermal and water absorption of intraply woven carbon/aramid hybrid composites. International Polymer Processing, 35(4), 367–375. https://doi.org/10.3139/217.3934
15. Cadieu, L., Kopp, J., Jumel, J., Bega, J., & Froustey, C. (2020). Temperature effect on the mechanical properties and damage mechanisms of a glass/thermoplastic laminate. Journal of Composite Materials, 54(17), 2271–2282. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998319898032
16. Cadieu, L., Kopp, J., Jumel, J., Bega, J., & Froustey, C. (2021). A fracture behaviour evaluation of Glass/Elium 150 thermoplastic laminate with the DCB test: Influence of loading rate and temperature. Composite Structures, 255, Article 112907. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.112907
17. Can, M., & Karali, O. (2025). Design and manufacturing parameters of integrated joggled composite skins in aerospace structures. Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science, 8(4), 1050–1056. https://doi.org/10.34248/bsengineering.1582100
18. Cetin, M. E., Bastosun, Y., Tatar, A. C., Cetin, M. H., Demir, O., Onal, G., & Avcı, A. (2022). The effect of halloysite nanotube modification on wear behavior of carbon‐aramid fiber reinforced hybrid nanocomposites. Polymer Composites, 43(1), 624–637. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.26399
19. Chen, Y., Prasad, V., Yasar, M., Murphy, N., & Ivankovic, A. (2024). Enhancing interfacial performance and fracture toughness of carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 187, Article 108434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2024.108434
20. Coronado, P., Argüelles, A., Viña, J., Mollón, V., & Viña, I. (2012). Influence of temperature on a carbon–fibre epoxy composite subjected to static and fatigue loading under mode-I delamination. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 49(21), 2934–2940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2012.05.029
21. Coskun, T., Sozen, B., Kapıcı, S., & Sahin, O. S. (2024). Mechanical and dynamic characteristics for the CFRP, GFRP, and hybrid composites exposed to HCl environment. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/07316844241301152
22. Demir, O., Yar, A., Eskizeybek, V., & Avcı, A. (2023). Combined effect of fiber hybridization and matrix modification on mechanical properties of polymer composites. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part L: Journal of Materials: Design and Applications, 237(9), 1935–1951. https://doi.org/10.1177/14644207231165142
23. Guzel, M. H. (2025). Effect of different temperatures and water aging on the mechanical properties of aramid/carbon reinforced Elium matrix composites [Doctoral dissertation, Konya Technical University]. Institute of Graduate Studies.
24. Guzel, M. H., & Onal, G. (2025). Effect of water aging on the mechanical properties of hybrid carbon/aramid reinforced thermoplastic composites. Advanced Engineering Materials, 27(20), Article 2403025. https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.202403025
25. Han, N., Yuksel, O., Zanjani, J. S. M., An, L., Akkerman, R., & Baran, I. (2022). Experimental investigation of the interlaminar failure of glass/Elium® thermoplastic composites manufactured with different processing temperatures. Applied Composite Materials, 29, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10443-022-10025-x
26. Kagitci, Y. C., & Tarakcioglu, N. (2016). The effect of weld line on tensile strength in a polymer composite part. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 85(5), 1125–1135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-015-7975-y
27. Kaya, M. N. (2025a). Numerical investigation of transonic shock wave characteristics on supercritical airfoils under various flow conditions. Konya Journal of Engineering Sciences, 13(4), 1252–1263. https://doi.org/10.46332/kjeps.1534210
28. Kaya, M. N. (2025b). Numerical simulation of laminar non-Newtonian blood flow under varying Reynolds numbers and geometric parameters using OpenFOAM. Bulletin of Biomathematics, 3(2), 150–163. https://doi.org/10.59287/bb.20250102
29. Kaybal, H. B., & Ulus, H. (2024). Comparative analysis of thermoplastic and thermoset adhesives performance and the influence on failure analysis in jointed elium‐based composite structures. Polymer Composites, 45(4), 3474–3492. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28014
30. Kaybal, H. B., Ulus, H., Cacik, F., Eskizeybek, V., & Avci, A. (2024). Multi-scale mechanical behavior of liquid Elium® based thermoplastic matrix composites reinforced with different fiber types: Insights from fiber–matrix adhesion interactions. Fibers and Polymers, 25(12), 4935–4950. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12221-024-00621-w
31. Khan, T., Irfan, M., Cantwell, W., & Umer, R. (2022). Crack healing in infusible thermoplastic composite laminates. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 156, Article 106896. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.106896
32. Kim, J. H., Song, B. K., Song, J. H., & Min, K. J. (2023). Control of mechanical properties of FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic) via arrangement of high-strength/high-ductility fiber in a blended fabric. Materials, 16(14), Article 5001. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16145001
33. Kim, S. C., Kim, J. S., & Yoon, H. J. (2011). Experimental and numerical investigations of mode I delamination behaviors of woven fabric composites with carbon, Kevlar and their hybrid fibers. International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing, 12, 321–329. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12541-011-0043-3
34. Kumar, V., Elen, M., Sushmita, K., Overman, N. R., Nickerson, E., Murdy, P., ... & Fifield, L. S. (2024). Hygrothermal aging and recycling effects on mechanical and thermal properties of recyclable thermoplastic glass fiber composites. Polymer Composites. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28452
35. Pietras, D., Aliha, M., Kucheki, H. G., & Sadowski, T. (2023). Tensile and tear-type fracture toughness of gypsum material: Direct and indirect testing methods. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 15(7), 1777–1796. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2022.11.010
36. Pincheira, G., Canales, C., Medina, C., Fernández, E., & Flores, P. (2018). Influence of aramid fibers on the mechanical behavior of a hybrid carbon–aramid–reinforced epoxy composite. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part L: Journal of Materials: Design and Applications, 232(1), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.1177/1464420715617395
37. Qi, Z., Cai, D., Zhang, N., Long, L., & Zhou, G. (2024). Experimental and numerical study on the mechanical properties of carbon/aramid intralayer hybrid composites. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 43(11-12), 657–670. https://doi.org/10.1177/07316844231189254
38. Quanjin, M., Salim, M., Rejab, M., Bernhardi, O. E., & Nasution, A. Y. (2020). Quasi-static crushing response of square hybrid carbon/aramid tube for automotive crash box application. Materials Today: Proceedings, 27, 683–690. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2019.11.272
39. Rajasekar, R., Asokan, R., Santulli, C., Pavlovic, A., & Fragassa, C. (2019). The effect of fibre bridging on mode l interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon-aramid/epoxy intra-ply hybrid laminates. Tribology in Industry, 41(1), 64–75. https://doi.org/10.24874/ti.2019.41.01.08
40. Sebaey, T. A., & Wagih, A. (2019). Flexural properties of notched carbon–aramid hybrid composite laminates. Journal of Composite Materials, 53(28-30), 4137–4148. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998319852441
41. Sozen, B., Coskun, T., Kapıcı, S., & Sahin, O. S. (2024). Comparison of the dynamic characteristics of GFRP, CFRP, and hybrid composites subjected to repeated low‐velocity impact. Polymer Composites, 45(17), 15941–15953. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28821
42. Swolfs, Y., Gorbatikh, L., & Verpoest, I. (2014). Fibre hybridisation in polymer composites: A review. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 67, 181–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2014.08.027
43. Ulus, H., Kaybal, H. B., Eskizeybek, V., & Avcı, A. (2019). Enhanced salty water durability of halloysite nanotube reinforced epoxy/basalt fiber hybrid composites. Fibers and Polymers, 20, 2184–2199. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12221-019-1221-x
44. Yin, H. F., Zhou, W., Zhang, P. F., & Ma, L. H. (2021). Flexural progressive damage and failure behavior of carbon-aramid/epoxy hybrid woven composites. Journal of Composite Materials, 55(7), 937–948. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998320961858