Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Bio-Resin Epoxy/Flax Fiber Composites using Acetic Anhydride

Journal Article · Mon Jan 15 04:00:00 EST 2018 · Journal of Polymers and the Environment

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/S10924-017-0943-3· OSTI ID:22788302

Loong, Marc Li ^[1]; Cree, Duncan ^[2]

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1. Queen’s University, Department of Civil Engineering (Canada)
2. University of Saskatchewan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering (Canada)

Chemically treated acetic anhydride (AA) flax fiber mats were investigated. Bio-based epoxy resin and conventional epoxy resin unidirectional fiber composites were manufactured using a vacuum bagging technique. Flax fibers in the bio-resin composites were chemically treated with 1, 2, 3 and 4% (AA), while the fibers used with the conventional resin were not treated. The composites with the conventional resin were compared with the bio-resin in an untreated condition. A 2% AA treatment improved the bio-resin composite tensile strength, stiffness and bond shear strength by 55%, 58% and 7%, respectively. These three properties were evaluated and the results statistically analyzed using ANOVA. The AA reduced moisture absorption intake and improved adhesion of the fiber/matrix interface. The composites treated with 1–2% AA were most successful with a 65% moisture resistance. The scanning electron microscope was used to observe the fiber surface and fractured surfaces of the untreated and treated flax fibers. A chemical pre-treatment has improved the composite mechanical and moisture resistance over the non-treated fiber composites.

• OSTI ID: 22788302
• Journal Information: Journal of Polymers and the Environment, Journal Name: Journal of Polymers and the Environment Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 26; ISSN 1566-2543
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ABSORPTION
ADHESION
ANHYDRIDES
EPOXIDES
FIBERS
FLEXIBILITY
MOISTURE
RESINS
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SHEAR PROPERTIES