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Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Bio-Resin Epoxy/Flax Fiber Composites using Acetic Anhydride

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Abstract

Chemically treated acetic anhydride (AA) flax fiber mats were investigated. Bio-based epoxy resin and conventional epoxy resin unidirectional fiber composites were manufactured using a vacuum bagging technique. Flax fibers in the bio-resin composites were chemically treated with 1, 2, 3 and 4% (AA), while the fibers used with the conventional resin were not treated. The composites with the conventional resin were compared with the bio-resin in an untreated condition. A 2% AA treatment improved the bio-resin composite tensile strength, stiffness and bond shear strength by 55%, 58% and 7%, respectively. These three properties were evaluated and the results statistically analyzed using ANOVA. The AA reduced moisture absorption intake and improved adhesion of the fiber/matrix interface. The composites treated with 1–2% AA were most successful with a 65% moisture resistance. The scanning electron microscope was used to observe the fiber surface and fractured surfaces of the untreated and treated flax fibers. A chemical pre-treatment has improved the composite mechanical and moisture resistance over the non-treated fiber composites.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Canada-Discovery Grant (Project # 418729) for the financial support to carry out this research study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada

    Marc Li Loong

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Office 2B41, Engineering Building, 57 Campus Dr., Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A9, Canada

    Duncan Cree

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  1. Marc Li Loong
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  2. Duncan Cree
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Correspondence to Duncan Cree.

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Loong, M.L., Cree, D. Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Bio-Resin Epoxy/Flax Fiber Composites using Acetic Anhydride. J Polym Environ 26, 224–234 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-017-0943-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-017-0943-3

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