Effect of UV‐water weathering on the mechanical properties of flax‐fiber‐reinforced polymer composites

• DOI: 10.1002/pc.28057
• Publication Date: 2023-12-21T09:53:59Z
• Authors: Bowen Xu; Bart van den Hurk; Tao Liu; Rijk Blok; Patrick Teuffel
• Keywords: Flexural modulus

Abstract This study examines the influence of weathering aging on mechanical properties and durability flax fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (FFRP) intended for outdoor applications. Employing an accelerated environment replicating natural conditions, encompassing UV radiation, condensation, water spray, FFRP samples with 2 4 mm thicknesses underwent exposure durations 0, 500, 1000, 1500 h. Mechanical tests characterized tensile, flexural, inner‐plane shear properties, while a custom‐made apparatus measured long‐term tensile creep behavior. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy allowed observation microscopic changes in fiber matrix. The findings illustrate consistent decline flexural increased exposure, resulting reductions 17% 38% strength modulus, 24% 52% modulus after Intriguingly, exhibited slight increase 500 h before subsequent decrease. Furthermore, same thickness demonstrated development longer durations. Despite this, degradation rate induced by was comparatively slower thicker samples. Overall, diminished post‐weathering can be attributed not only to but also substantial role played fibers this process. Highlights degrades flax/polyester composites. Both instantaneous elastic behavior are affected weathering. Thickness influences caused SEM confirmed UV‐water resulted both matrices.