Tensile properties and failure of hybrid fiber reinforced polymer composite laminate with different fiber types, hybrid ratios, and stacking sequences

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AbstractHybrid fiber‐reinforced polymer (HFRP) composites are gaining attention due to their impressive strength and stiffness with low density. However, their high‐strength often comes with reduced toughness, and achieving a balance between these properties involves combining fibers using hybrid methods. This study used fabricating HFRP laminates (carbon/Kevlar, carbon/glass, and carbon/glass/Kevlar) with different stacking sequences and hybridization ratios created through molding, followed by tensile testing to evaluate the mechanical behavior. The results showed that hybridization ratios significantly influenced the tensile strength, modulus, and elongation at break. For example, compared to the single Kevlar fiber composites, the tensile strength and tensile modulus of the laminate with the optimal configuration of carbon/Kevlar fiber‐reinforced composites increased by 102.93% and 131.65%, respectively, and the elongation at break decreased by 76.13%. This improvement was attributed to the synergistic effect of combining carbon fibers with Kevlar fibers through effective hybridization. The stacking sequences also had a significant effect on tensile strength and elongation at break, although the effect on the tensile modulus was weaker. Additionally, the different tensile properties were obtained by inter hybridization between the three types of fibers. Microscopic observations provided insights into the fracture behavior of HFRP, highlighting phenomena such as brittle/ductile fracture, delamination, fiber pullout, crack suppression, and potential interactions. These observations underscored the complex mechanics governing the mechanical performance of HFRP.Highlights The tensile properties of HFRP laminates with carbon fiber, glass fiber, and Kevlar fiber hybrids are studied. The effect of hybridization parameters on the tensile properties of HFRP are studied. Indicators of the tensile properties of HFRP laminates are compared and analyzed. The hybrid effect and interaction failure mechanism of HFRP are revealed.