Hybridization effect of cellulose paper and postcuring conditions on the mechanical properties of flax fiber reinforced epoxy biocomposite

Abstract

An ever‐increasing rise in demand for sustainable materials has received significant attention in developing biocomposites for structural applications. In this regard, natural fibers replacing synthetic fibers as reinforcement in epoxy composite could be a significant gain toward sustainability, especially in automobile and structural applications. Herein, flax fiber/cellulose paper–reinforced epoxy biocomposite (FREC‐X) was fabricated via a vacuum infusion process. The influence of postcuring conditions (time and temperature) and cellulose paper density on the mechanical properties of FREC‐X was studied. The tensile strength and modulus of FREC‐X increased by 37% and 64%, respectively, upon the integration of paper. Postcuring FREC‐X further augmented the tensile and flexural properties of the composite, which could be attributed to the increase in cross‐linking of the epoxy and yields a strong polymer network. Fractography analysis confirmed that the composites integrated with paper showed fewer defects with improved interfacial adhesion. In addition, the water absorption and thickness swelling results revealed that the presence of cellulose paper marginally increased the water uptake and thickness swelling of FREC‐X. Furthermore, there was no significant change in the tensile and flexural properties of FREC‐X observed even after immersing in water for >200 h. Such properties of FREC‐X seen as a fascinating alternative to synthetic fibers and petroleum‐based epoxy and are promising material for sustainable development.

Simultaneously enhancing tribological and mechanical properties of epoxy composites using basalt fiber/reduced graphene oxide/paraffin wax

“…In spite of the addition of nanoparticles, including silica, TiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , 11,12 and two‐dimensional materials, 13 graphene, for instance, can effectively improve the mechanical properties of EP, one‐dimensional materials, such as carbon nanotube and various fibers, undoubtedly, are a better choice 14–16 . It has been reported that diverse fibers, including basalt fiber, glass fiber, carbon fiber, and flax fiber, show obvious enhancements in the mechanical properties of EP due to their great strength, low density, creep resistance, good corrosion resistivity, and so on 6,17–19 . Therefore, great attention has already been focused on utilizing versatile fibers in developing EP composites for commercial applications.…”

“…[14][15][16] It has been reported that diverse fibers, including basalt fiber, glass fiber, carbon fiber, and flax fiber, show obvious enhancements in the mechanical properties of EP due to their great strength, low density, creep resistance, good corrosion resistivity, and so on. 6,[17][18][19] Therefore, great attention has already been focused on utilizing versatile fibers in developing EP composites for commercial applications. Basalt fibers are bio-based fibers obtained from basalt rocks and have been widely used in many engineering fields.…”