Flexible strength-improved and crack-resistant biocomposites based on plasticised wheat gluten reinforced with a flax-fibre-weave

Abstract

This paper presents strength-improved and crack-resistant wheat gluten biocomposites, using flax-fibre weaves as reinforcement. The composites were produced by dip-coating of the weave into a wheat gluten/glycerol (WGG) solution, or by compression moulding. The most extensive coverage and wetting of the flax yarns occurred during the compression moulding, and the adhesion between the fibres and the matrix increased with increasing glycerol content. The compression-moulded sheets were, at a comparable flax content, stiffer than those produced by dipping, whereas their strength was similar and their extensibility slightly lower. Tensile tests on notched samples showed that the flax yarn improved the crack-resistant properties significantly; the maximum stress increased from 2 to 29 MPa using a content of 19 wt.% flax fibres. A clear advantage of this novel mechanically flexible biocomposite is that it can be shaped plastically under ambient conditions, while at the same time providing in-plane stiffness, strength and crack-resistance. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Fibres; Biocomposites; Fracture toughness; Mechanical properties

Published in

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
2017, volume: 94, pages: 61-69
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

SLU Authors

• Johansson, Eva

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Other Materials Engineering

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2016.12.016

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/80924