The performance of flax reinforced composites for wireless and sport applications: natural additives and sandwich concepts

Abstract

<p>In this study, flax reinforced composites are studied for their long-term performance in terms of electromagnetic signal attenuation and mechanical performance. The use of flax fibres and rosin are studied for applications of natural fibre reinforced composites with antimicrobial features. The thermoplastic matrix used is polylactic acid (PLA) and the thermoset matrix used is a partly biobased epoxy. Laminates are prepared for accelerated algae growth (AG) studies (42 days, Klebsormidium flaccidum) and rain-ultraviolet (340 nm, rain, 18 days) ageing conditioning. The signal attenuation at the range of ultra-high frequencies (2.5 GHz) is measured using the splitdisk dielectric resonator (SPDR) method. The results indicate that the flax reinforcement is the main source of degradation whether attenuation or mechanical performance is considered.</p>