Mechanical characterization of flax-mat reinforced PLA/PBS green composite laminates

• Published in: Journal of the Chinese Institute of Engineers Vol. 48; no. 4; pp. 342 - 351
• Main Authors: Pawar, Jayshri, Malagi, Ravindra, Jadhav, Manoj
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 19.05.2025
• Subjects: Bio-composites; flax fibers; mechanical properties; PLA+PBS matrix
• ISSN: 0253-3839; 2158-7299
• DOI: 10.1080/02533839.2025.2477082

With the demand for environmentally friendly products, natural fiber applications are becoming increasingly important in all industries. Natural fiber composites have been the subject of much research to evaluate their mechanical, thermal, and physical properties. This study explores the manufacturing process and mechanical evaluation of flax mat-reinforced PLA/PBS composites undergoing structural loading. The NaOH-treated flax fiber mats are used to enhance the mechanical properties. PBS granules are added to the Pla matrix to improve the impact strength of the composite. The research involves manufacturing composite materials using compression molding by stacking flax mats and matrix sheets. According to ASTM standards, the green composite laminates are prepared and tested with 20% and 30% fiber volume and 0-90 degrees and ± 45 degrees fiber orientation. The 20% fiber volume green composite performs better than the 30% specimen. The tensile strength of the 20% fiber volume specimen is 40.79 MPa, and the modulus is 4140 MPa. The percentage of elongation that occurred was 3.2%. The flexural strength is 75.89 MPa, and the impact energy absorbed is 69 J/s. By studying mechanical properties, the developed material is fully biodegradable and suitable for industrial structural application.