Effect of Water Aging on the Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Carbon/Aramid Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

In this study, the mechanical properties of thermoplastic Elium matrix composites reinforced with Carbon/Aramid (CA) intraply hybrid fibers are investigated experimentally. CA Elium composites, produced using the hand lay‐up assisted vacuum infusion method, are subjected to aging in distilled water for 6 months. Tensile, flexural, and single‐edge notch bending (SENB) tests are performed on specimens aged for 2, 4, and 6 months, as well as on unaged specimens. The mechanical performance of CA Elium composites is compared to evaluate the effects of water aging. Water absorption nearly reaches saturation after two months, and the mechanical properties are significantly affected during this period. Flexural properties are the most affected by aging, and flexural strength decreases by 25.89% from 291.46 to 216.00 MPa after 6 months. The tensile properties are slightly affected by aging, and the tensile strength decreases by only 4.40% from 515.37 to 492.68 MPa. SENB tests indicate a moderate change and fracture toughness decreasing by 21.56% from 138.83 to 108.89 MPa.m 0.5 after aging. In conclusion, flexural behavior emerges as the most critical aspect to consider for CA Elium composites intended for long‐term water exposure.