Abstract
Annual crop fibres are rich in cellulose and they are a cheap and rapidly renewable source of fibres with potential for polymer reinforcement. Straw fibres have been incorporated in a polyester resin matrix and the properties of the fibre and composite determined. The fibres have a Young's modulus of approximately 8 GN m−2 and an effective density of 5.1 kN m−3 when combined with resin. Useful composites can be formulated with an optimum fibre volume fraction of about 0.61, resulting in a flexural stiffness of 7.3 GN m−2 and flexural strength of 56 MN m−2. The specific flexural stiffness is about 2.5 times greater than that of polyester resin and about half that of softwoods and GRP. The work of fracture measured in impact is about half that of softwoods. It is envisaged that alternative methods for processing the fibres and the use of a phenolic resin matrix will improve the composite properties further. Straw-based composites are suitable as core material for structural board products.
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