Predicting freeze-thaw deterioration in wood-polymer composites

Abstract

Natural fiber-reinforced polymers are currently used in a variety of low- to high-performance applications in the automotive, packaging, and construction industries. Previous studies have demonstrated that natural fibers (e.g., flax, hemp) exhibit good tensile mechanical properties and have positive environmental and economic attributes such as low cost, rapid renewability, and worldwide availability. However, natural fibers are inherently susceptible moisture-induced changes in physical and mechanical properties, which can be unfavorable for in-service use. This study illustrates how a micromechanics-based modelling approach can be used to help facilitate durability design and mitigate the deleterious effects of freeze-thaw deterioration in wood-plastic composites (WPCs). The model described in this study predicts the critical fiber volume fraction (