Glass fibre hybridization to improve the durability of circular flax fibre reinforced composites with off-the-shelf recyclable polymer matrix systems for large scale structural applications

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomc.2024.100491
• Publication Date: 2024-07-07T14:08:40Z
• Authors: Subrata Chandra Das; Angela D. La Rosa; Stergios Goutianos; Sotirios Grammatikos
• Keywords: Matrix (chemical analysis)

Natural fibre composites (NFCs) are not durable in the long run because of susceptibility natural fibres to environmental conditions and specifically moisture. Hybridizing NFC laminates externally, with synthetic reinforcements, may improve durability, due their inherent resistance. This work aims investigate effects glass hybridization, on flax composites, studied via accelerated ageing. In specific, durability hybrid flax/glass reinforced polymer two recyclable matrices was investigated. Unidirectional (UD) UD reinforcements were employed fabricate laminates, fully-recyclable off-the-shelf resin systems, as matrix: (i) a bio-based epoxy (ii) an acrylic liquid thermoplastic (Elium®). addition, standard petroleum-based matrix for reference purposes. Weathering hygrothermal ageing used test coupons, exposed UV radiation/condensation/water spray environment (weathering ageing), full-immersion distilled water at 23, 40, 60°C (hygrothermal ageing). all cases, performed total duration 56 days. The performance unaged aged composite coupons assessed compared terms flexural viscoelastic well SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis. It revealed that addition improves better resistance against environments than neat composites.