Inorganic Fillers and Their Effects on the Properties of Flax/PLA Composites after UV Degradation

Sit, Moumita; Dashatan, Saeid; Zhang, Zhongyi; Dhakal, Hom Nath; Khalfallah, Moussa; Gamer, Nicolas; Ling, Jarren

doi:10.3390/polym15153221

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Several studies have investigated the effects of weathering on the mechanical properties of PFRP. Sit et al 22 reported that both tensile strength and modulus of the biocomposites made from nonwoven flax fiber and polylactic acid decreased by about 15% after 500‐h UV exposure and the inorganic fillers can help to alleviate the loss of mechanical properties. Hallonet et al 23 studied the difference between FFRP and glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) after aging and claimed that the FFRP lost 15% tensile strength during weathering aging in the outdoor environment for 12 months, while the tensile properties of GFRP remain stable.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of UV‐water weathering on the mechanical properties of flax‐fiber‐reinforced polymer composites

Xu,

van den Hurk,

Liu

et al. 2023

Polymer Composites

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This study examines the influence of weathering aging on the mechanical properties and durability of flax fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (FFRP) intended for outdoor applications. Employing an accelerated weathering environment replicating natural outdoor conditions, encompassing UV radiation, condensation, and water spray, the FFRP samples with 2 and 4 mm thicknesses underwent exposure durations of 0, 500, 1000, and 1500 h. Mechanical tests characterized tensile, flexural, and inner‐plane shear properties, while a custom‐made apparatus measured the long‐term tensile creep behavior. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy allowed for the observation of microscopic changes in fiber and matrix. The findings illustrate a consistent decline in tensile and flexural properties with increased weathering exposure, resulting in reductions of 17% and 38% in the tensile strength and modulus, and 24% and 52% in the flexural strength and modulus after 1500 h. Intriguingly, inner‐plane shear strength exhibited a slight increase after 500 h before a subsequent decrease. Furthermore, samples with the same thickness demonstrated an increased creep development with longer weathering durations. Despite this, the mechanical degradation rate induced by weathering was comparatively slower for thicker samples. Overall, the diminished mechanical properties of FFRP post‐weathering can be attributed not only to the polymer but also to the substantial role played by flax fibers in this process.Highlights UV weathering degrades the mechanical properties of flax/polyester composites. Both the instantaneous elastic properties and the long‐term creep behavior are affected by weathering. Thickness influences the mechanical degradation of the composites caused by UV weathering. SEM confirmed UV‐water weathering resulted in the degradation of both natural fiber and polymer matrices.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%