The growing usage of bio-composite materials in different engineering applications demands a thorough understanding of their performance during their service. Extreme environmental conditions, such as warm, humid, and freezing environments, among others, can degrade the mechanical properties of the bio-composites when they are exposed to harsh environmental conditions. In addition, the use of these composites in underwater applications can also shorten their life cycle. In this work, the durability and mechanical performance (tensile and flexural behavior) of flax/bio-epoxy composites exposed to different environmental conditions were evaluated. These conditions were chosen to replicate those found outdoors that can affect the durability of these materials: water immersion, warm humid environment and freeze-thaw conditions. Moisture and water absorption behavior were evaluated and the water content (or exposure time) was related to the physical changes and mechanical properties. Results show that the mechanical properties of flax/bio-epoxy composites are clearly degraded by water ageing when they are compared to the "as manufactured" composites. The tensile strength and modulus is decreased approximately by 9% and 57%, respectively for water saturated (immersed in water until saturation) samples compared to as manufactured samples. On contrary, this reduction rate is only 0.8% and 3%,

No abstract

No abstract

Incorporation of bioactive glass into chitosan (PEO) nanofibers leads to improvement of strength and bone-cell differentiation capability.