Mechanical properties of glass/flax hybrid composites based on a novel modified soybean oil matrix material

Abstract

In the Affordable Composites from Renewable Resources (ACRES) program at the University of Delaware, soybean oil and other plant triglycerides have been made amenable to polymerization using a broad range of chemical routes. The resultant polymers range in properties from soft rubbers to hard thermosets for composite applications. In this paper we present an investigation of the mechanical properties of glass/flax hybrid composites based on these thermoset matrix materials. Composites with different glass/flax ratios and different fiber arrangements were made using a modified soybean oil matrix material. The fiber arrangement was varied to make symmetric and unsymmetric composites. The latter were tested in different modes in flexural tests and drop weight impact tests. The mechanical properties of the composites were found to depend upon the glass/flax ratio and the arrangement of fibers in the composite. On proper selection of the arrangement of fibers in the composite, the glass fibers and flax fibers were found to act synergistically resulting in an improved flexural and impact performance. POLYM. COMPOS., 26:407–416, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers

Hybrid bio-based composites from blends of unsaturated polyester and soybean oil reinforced with nanoclay and natural fibers

“…Biocomposites, composed of natural fibers in synthetic or natural polymer matrices have recently gained much attention due to their low cost, environmental friendliness, and their potential to compete with synthetic composites [3][4][5][6][7]. Nonetheless, the use of bio-based composites has been limited due to their lower mechanical and thermo-physical properties compared to synthetic composites and conventional structural materials [6,7].…”

Effect of hybridization on the mode II fracture toughness properties of flax/vinyl ester composites

“…There are many reported works on natural fiber composites as far as their mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact), thermal, and environmental behaviors are concerned [7][8][9][10][11][12]. However, there are limited reported works relating to the investigation of fracture toughness behavior of natural fiber composite materials [13][14][15][16].…”

Use of eco‐friendly epoxy resins from renewable resources as potential substitutes of petrochemical epoxy resins for ambient cured composites with flax reinforcements

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