Durability and Lifetime Prediction of Flax Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

Flax fiber reinforced polymer (FFRP) composites are demonstrating promising outcomes which makes them potential candidates to replace synthetic composites in various industrial applications. However, there is limited information regarding their long-term performance, and it is usually acknowledged that natural fibers are less resistant than their synthetic counterparts. In this context, it is crucial to study their durability before considering their use for structural rehabilitation and strengthening in construction. This study aims to investigate and predict the performance of FFRP composites with a bio-based epoxy matrix. The test program consisted in exposing FFRP laminates and FFRP strengthened concrete slabs to different accelerated ageing conditions over a total period of 2 years, and with various combinations of temperature and relative humidity in the ranges 20-60°C and 50-100% RH, respectively. Series of tensile, short beam and pull-off tests were periodically performed on ageing samples in order to evaluate their property evolutions over exposure time in the various environments. Finally, collected experimental data were analyzed using statistical tools, in view of developing a degradation model and evaluating the service lifetime performance of this new bio-based composite.