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Highlights Wind turbines are subjected to extreme weather and load conditions; hence, high strength and impact resistance are required. Furthermore, wind turbine blades can be subjected to impact loads such as bird strikes, resulting in the formation of microcracks. Self‐healing capsules can be used to mend turbine blades for microscale damage. The incorporation of self‐healing capsules may cause a decrease in the mechanical characteristics of the composites prior to impact resistance, which can be compensated for with efficient fillers such as silicon carbide whiskers (SiCw). Thus, a novel hybrid composite structure is examined with the advantage of using a self‐healing mechanism and SiCw reinforcement. Tensile, tribological, and Charpy impact tests were performed to characterize the mechanical and tribological properties, which were supported with microscopic observations. Multiple experimental characterizations were performed to investigate the impact, and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and energy absorption capacity of the structure were shown to increase by 32% and 45%, respectively, with the addition of SiCw. The presence of self‐healing agents provides a 5% rise in UTS after enough time for healing following the collision. The structure's tribological performance is improved by 10% in wear resistance and 20% in friction coefficient. Hybrid laminated composite structure with silicon carbide whisker and self‐healing capsules. Tensile and Charpy impact tests conducted with microscopic observations Increased ultimate tensile strength and energy absorption capacity by 32% and 45%. Tribological improvement by 10% in wear resistance and 20% in friction coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Rapid prototyping, also known as additive manufacturing, is a nascent technology that is gaining traction in the context of environmental concerns and waste reduction, as well as the growing trend towards customized design. The additive manufacturing method, which has applications in diverse fields such as aviation, architecture, biomedical and automotive engineering, has also begun to be utilized in the construction of yachts and yacht hulls within the maritime industry. In this experimental study, the influences of sea water on polylactic acid (PLA) and carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid (PLA/CF) parts manufactured at different infill rates (20%, 60% and 100%) were investigated. The parts were exposed to sea water for three different periods (1, 5, and 10 days) and subsequently subjected to wear tests. The dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, hardness, water absorption, volume loss, and friction coefficient of parts were measured and calculated. Additionally, the worn surfaces of the parts were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images. The findings indicate that PLA and PLA/CF parts can be produced with high dimensional accuracy. Furthermore, it can be reported that the water absorption of PLA/CF parts increased, particularly with an increase in the infill rate, while the volume loss decreased. Obtained results indicate the necessity of optimizing the 3D printing parameters and the relationship between the ambient conditions and the wear performance of the 3D printed parts. 3D printing is a highly promising method for the production of polymer composites. A pioneering study into the effect of infill rate and water absorption on the wear performance. Coefficient of friction values of PLA and PLA/CF parts ranged between 0.37 and 0.75. PLA/CF mostly exhibited higher volume loss than PLA with water absorption. Volume loss declines with a raise in the infill rate from 20% to 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the number of studies focusing on the additive manufacturing has increased seriously to elucidate the critical points such as physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Contrary to common trends and for the first time in the literature, this experimental endeavor aims to comprehend the combined impact of reinforcement type and heat treatment on the wear features of additively manufactured polyamide 6 (PA6) composites. As reinforcement materials, glass, and carbon fibers were utilized and all samples were created through the fused filament fabrication. Half of the samples were subjected to annealing treatment after the main production, and characterization works were performed using a fused emission scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanic analysis. From the outcomes, it is seen that heat treatment has a positive effect on the hardness, and wear resistance of the composites. Besides, glass fiber‐reinforced samples display lower friction coefficient and lower volume loss results than other samples. For all samples, secondary annealing causes a positive impact on wear endurance in most cases. On the other side, the wear mechanism of the tested samples changes with the test force level and reinforcement type. At lower test forces, abrasive wear‐induced debris parts are detected on the deformed surfaces of PA6 and carbon‐added samples, but this case is opposite for the highest force of 40 N. Highlights: Additive manufacturing was underlined as a promising way to create polymer composites with high dimensional accuracy.The combined effect of secondary annealing and reinforcement type on the wear resistance of 3D‐printed PA6 composites was examined for the first time in the literature.Carbon and glass fibers were compared to explore their effect on friction coefficient and wear behavior of polymer composite samples produced via FFF technology.Hardness and surface roughness measurements were used to comprehend the dry sliding wear results.Depending on the increasing test force levels and reinforcement type, deformation, and abrasion mechanisms were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]