Influence of Fibre and Matrix Modifications on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Flax Fibre Reinforced Poly(propylene)

In this work several types of flax were used as reinforcement in poly(propylene) based unidirectional composites. These flax types included non-treated as well as treated (boiled) samples. On the other hand, two types of poly(propylene) were used as matrix: non-modified poly(propylene) (PP), and maleic anhydride modified poly(propylene) (MAA-PP). The influence of both fibre and matrix modification was studied through mechanical (flexural) and physical (density, sorption, and drying) tests. Combination of boiled flax with MAA-PP proved to yield the best mechanical properties, combined with good physical properties. A 100% stress transfer between fibre and matrix could be calculated in this optimised case. Interlaminar shear strength tests were done in order to confirm this improved fibre-matrix adhesion.