Effect of accelerated weathering on the performance of natural fibre reinforced recyclable polymer composites and comparison with conventional composites

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomc.2023.100378
• Publication Date: 2023-06-18T13:28:17Z
• Authors: Subrata Chandra Das; Angela D. La Rosa; Stergios Goutianos; Sotirios Grammatikos
• Keywords: Liquid thermoplastic (Elium®); Circular economy; Recyclable polymers; TA401-492; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; Natural fibre composites; Durability of composites; Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials; 12. Responsible consumption; UV exposure

This work investigated the long-term performance of unidirectional (UD) flax fibre reinforced recyclable polymer composites (FFRPs), after accelerated weathering for a total 56 days, in laboratory environment. The employed matrices were bio-based epoxy and liquid thermoplastic acrylic resin. developed composites, compared with traditional UD glass (GFRPs), employing standard petro-based resin, terms flexural viscoelastic properties, while visual inspection Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to investigate further effects ageing exposure. It was revealed that reinforcing fibres dominated ageing, whilst choice matrix exhibited less influence.