Author
Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2007 Publication Date: 5/22/2012 Citation: Liu, Z., Erhan, S.Z. 2012. Soy-based composites reinforced by modified flax fibers: Preparation and properties. In: Kubica, S., Zaikov, G.E., Liu, L.S., editors. Biochemical Physics and Biodeterioration New Horizons. Toron, Poland: Institute for Engineering of Polymer Materials and Dyes Publishing House. p. 100-118. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Flax fibers are often used in reinforced composites which have exhibited numerous advantages such as high mechanical properties, low density and biodegradablility. On the other hand, the hydrophilic nature of flax fiber is a major problem. In order to overcome this disadvantage, we prepared the soybean oil based composites reinforced with protein coated and lipid acylated flax fibers and compared their water uptake properties with untreated flax fibers. Results showed that water resistance properties of the composites are improved. The composite with lipid acylation of the flax fiber exhibited to enhance tensile strength and better water resistance properties. Influences of fiber length, fiber loading and pressure on mechanical properties are also studied. |