Effect of water on the characteristics of polyethylene / flax fibers composites

Abstract

Flax reinforced polyethylene composites were subjected to sorption /desorption cycles, at 96% relative humidity and 30°C. Then, a multi scale characterization was realized. The mechanical properties of composites decrease during the sorption cycle, in particular the modulus which may be related to plasticizing phenomena, but recover their initial values after drying. No physico-chemical changes were observed during this ageing. Moreover, a microbiological survey revealed that the composites were sensitive to microbial development, especially when the percentage of fibers was high. This can affect the mechanical performance of the composites.