Freeze-thaw cycling effect on tensile properties of unidirectional flax fiber reinforced polymers. (1st October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mak, Kenneth; Fam, Amir
• Is Part Of: Composites. Number 174(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10-01
• Subjects: Fibres -- Resins -- Environmental degradation -- Mechanical properties; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.106960
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8368

Abstract

Abstract: Natural fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) research has grown over the years. With interest in retrofitting reinforced concrete, flax-FRP (FFRP) was investigated across 300 freeze-thaw cycles, while varying fibre type, resin type, manufacturing method and exposure conditions. Vacuum bag moulded FFRP exhibited the most severe degradation at a 8% strength reduction and 10% stiffness reduction. Damage initiation began after 100 cycles. Conversely, wet lay-up moulded specimens' higher resin content protected the flax from moisture. Equivalent glass-FRP showed no damage. FRP with epoxy and epoxidized pine oil blends (EPO) showed no initial mechanical difference. After exposure, epoxy showed signs of hydrolysis, whereas EPO showed further cross-linking.