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Title: A New Approach to Improve the Water Absorption Behavior of Flax Fibers Reinforced Soy-based Composites

Author
item Liu, Zengshe - Kevin
item Erhan, Sevim
item Onwulata, Charles
item McKeon, Thomas

Submitted to: United States-Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/23/2008
Publication Date: 8/23/2008
Citation: Liu, Z., Erhan, S.Z., Onwulata, C.I., Mckeon, T.A. 2008. A New Approach to Improve the Water Absorption Behavior of Flax Fibers Reinforced Soy-based Composites [abstract]. United States-Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources.

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 biodegradability. On the other hand, the hydrophilic nature of flax fiber is a major problem. In this study, we prepared the soybean oil based composites reinforced with protein-coated and lipid-acylated flax fibers and compared their water uptake properties. Results showed that water resistance properties of the composites are improved when treated flax fibers are used. The composite with lipid acylation of the flax fiber exhibited enhanced tensile strength and water resistance properties. Influences of fiber length, fiber loading and pressure on mechanical properties are also reported.