Effect of thermal cycling on open‐hole tensile strength of sustainable composites: An experimental investigation

Abstract Sustainable composites are presently employed in applications where structural demands are minimal. Basalt fiber reinforced PLA (BFPLA) and polybutylene succinate (BFPBS) composites, incorporates bio‐based materials, offer the potential to reduce non‐renewable resource consumption and improve end‐of‐life disposal practices. Given the significance of thermal aging in semi‐structural applications and the necessity for open holes (notches) for installation and assembly, little is known about how thermal cycling (TC) affects the open‐hole strength of sustainable composites. This experimental work establishes a quantitative relationship between open‐hole strength and TC, taking into account varying abrasive waterjet pressures, and explores the impacts of thermal aging on the notch sensitivity, thermal, mechanical, and physical properties. BFPBS displayed better unnotched tensile strength and notched strength than pre‐thermal BFPLA specimens after they have been subjected to 100 TC ranging from −20 to 55°C. Thermal aging significantly influenced notch sensitivity, emphasizing its consideration in evaluating notch performance. This research provides a significant contribution to our current understanding of the effects of thermal aging on sustainable composites, enabling their informed application in a variety of industries and the results highlight their promising potential, in particular BFPBS, as strong alternative for medium load applications. Highlights Evaluated thermal aging effects on basalt fiber (BF) composites, revealing improved properties in BF/PBS composites after thermal cycles. Established quantitative link between mechanical behavior and thermal cycling using varying waterjet pressure values. Basalt fibers enhanced crystallinity and thermal stability of PLA and PBS polymers, showing promise for sustainable composites. Notch sensitivity impacted by thermal aging, underlining the importance of considering these effects in notch performance evaluation. BF/PBS composites demonstrated potential as robust alternatives for indoor products and sports equipment.