Investigates water absorption and mechanical retention in ramie-flax composites, indicating optimal fibre loading for durability.
Key Points
This research aims to evaluate water absorption and mechanical performance of ramie-flax epoxy hybrid composites.
Examined water absorption kinetics of hybrid composites with varying fibre loadings of 10-40 wt.%
Analyzed tensile, flexural, and impact properties under dry and saturated conditions
Conducted Fickian diffusion kinetics analysis for moisture transport parameters
Performed SEM on fracture surfaces to assess material integrity
Conducted a density-based material efficiency analysis for lightweighting benefits
Water absorption increased with fibre content, reaching equilibrium after approximately 120 hours
The 30 wt.% composite exhibited tensile strength of approximately 49 MPa, flexural strength of approximately 58 MPa, and impact strength of 2.82 kJ/m²
After saturation, the 30 wt.% composite retained 78% of tensile strength, 69% of flexural strength, and 82% of impact strength, outperforming other loadings
Identified 30 wt.% as the optimal fibre loading for moisture-exposed semi-structural applications