Search results for " interfacial adhesion"

Improving the mechanical properties of unidirectional flax fabrics reinforced epoxy composites by sodium bicarbonate treatment

2017

Despite their beneficial effects on the adhesion between natural fibers and polymeric matrices, chemical pretreatments have become less attractive since they are expensive and harmful to environment. The present paper deals with the effect of an eco-friendly and cost effective treatment, based on the use of a sodium bicarbonate solution, on the mechanical performances of flax reinforced epoxy composites. Materials and methods: A commercial epoxy resin and unidirectional flax fabrics (190 g/m2 areal density) were used as matrix and reinforcement, respectively. The fabrics were soaked in 5 and 10 wt% solutions of sodium bicarbonate for 5 days at 25°C, then dried at 105°C for 1 day. By using u…