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

Abstract

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