Influence of reinforcement architecture on static and dynamic mechanical properties of flax/epoxy composites for structural applications

Weave architecture of the reinforcement in polymeric composite structures affects macroscopic mechanical properties of the developed composites significantly along with many other factors. In present article, nine different but systematic weave architectures were obtained by changing the number of simultaneous yarns moving in warp and weft direction of flax (Linum usitatissimum) woven fabric. Static and dynamic mechanical properties (Tensile, Flexural, Impact, loss modulus, storage modulus and damping factor) of flax fiber reinforced epoxy composites were investigated. The effect of weave configurations on failure mechanism of the developed composites has also been studied morphologically. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to investigate the failure mechanism of the developed composites. Tensile strength and modulus was found to be significantly affected by the number of simultaneous load sharing fibers weaved in loading direction and crimp of the fabric respectively. Interlacing points of the fabric seems to control the flexural strength and modulus of the developed composites. Reinforcement architecture was also found to be responsible for the changes in impact strength of developed composites. Consistent with Young's modulus, storage modulus and loss modulus were also affected by weave parameters such as unevenness in the architecture of reinforcement