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Publications
Domingues, J., Sutherland, L.S. and Garrido, M. (2024), Durability of flax and glass fibre reinforced epoxy laminates for marine, Advances in Maritime Technology and Engineering, Guedes Soares, C. & Santos T.A. (Eds.), Taylor and Francis, London, UK, pp. 375-383.
The durability of an infused flax fibre reinforced plastic (FFRP) marine composite laminate has been extensively investigated via hygrothermal ageing and impact, quasi-static (QS) point loading, flexural and interlaminar shear testing. Comparisons were made with an equivalent thickness ‘traditional’ glass reinforced plastic (GRP) marine laminate. FFRP impact and QS indentation performance improved with ageing. That of GRP deteriorated significantly but only when aged at 60 °C did it drop to that of the much lower performing FFRP. In flexure GRP performed far better than FFRP, and both laminates deteriorated significantly with ageing. Loss of FFRP shear stiffness after ageing was substantial. Plasticisation of the resin and flax fibres is thought to be important. Sustainability-driven design decisions concerning flax composites in a marine environment should consider that they appear to be heavier, less stiff, far less robust and very susceptible to the effects of moisture. However, under severe ageing conditions, plasticisation may temper FFRP’s disadvantages under impact and point (but not flexure) loadings.
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