A Review of Flax Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Polymer Composites: Thermal-Physical Properties, Improvements and Application

ABSTRACT

Flax is the strongest natural fiber used as reinforcement for polymer-based composites due to its ecological properties, low specific gravity, renewability, biodegradability, recyclability besides its high mechanical properties. However, thermal properties of flax fibers depend on its chemical composition and structure, so it should be carefully controlled during the production process of composites, which affect the final product performance. A review of flax fiber-reinforced thermoset composites (FRTCs) and their hybrids is presented in the article, mainly focus on thermal performance, water absorption, and durability of the composites. The effects of filler materials hybridization and fiber’s chemical modification on the properties and performance of the FRTCs are also covered. Finally, key industrial applications and future possible research work based on the current understanding of FRTCs, and their hybrids also are addressed.

摘要

亚麻纤维具有生态性能、低比重、可再生性、生物降解性、可回收性和高机械性能, 是用于聚合物基复合材料增强的最强天然纤维. 然而, 亚麻纤维的热性能取决于其化学成分和结构, 因此在复合材料的生产过程中应谨慎控制, 这会影响最终产品的性能. 综述了亚麻纤维增强热固性复合材料 (FRTC) 及其混杂材料的研究进展, 重点介绍了该复合材料的热性能、吸水性和耐久性. 还讨论了填料杂化和纤维化学改性对FRTC性能的影响. 最后, 基于目前对FRTC及其混合动力的理解, 讨论了关键的工业应用和未来可能的研究工作.

KEYWORDS:

• Flax fiber
• thermoset matrix
• composites and hybrid composites
• thermal-physical performance
• water intake and durability
• improvement methods

Acknowledgments

The authors thankfully acknowledge the support of the Centre of Advanced and Functional Materials (AFM). and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (via the graduate assistantship scheme).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by international collaborative research fund (015MEO-208).