Abstract
Silk fibres possess good biodegradability, excellent biocompatibility and moderate modulus and stiffness, whereas flax fibres are low cost, renewable natural fibres with high specific strength and modulus. Here we introduce economical flax fibres to modulate the stiffness and impact properties of natural B. mori silk reinforced epoxy composites fabricated via vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding. Intra-and inter-hybridizations of flax and silk fibres are applied to evaluate the effect on composite mechanical properties including tensile and flexural modulus and strength. The interface properties between the fibres and matrix are investigated using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Most importantly, falling weight impact experiments reveal that silks can effectively prevent crack propagation whereas flax fibres can greatly enhance the impact load. Our study could offer new solutions towards novel biocomposites with tailored modulus, strength and toughness properties based on natural biopolymer fibres.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.