Work

Ageing of out-of-autoclaved hybrid flax/carbon fibre composites: effects on water absorption and flexural behaviour

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The growing demand for high-performance yet sustainable composites highlights the need to replace synthetic composites and energy-intensive processing with more efficient alternatives. However, limited research has been conducted on how out-of-autoclave (OOA) fabrication affects the durability of the natural/synthetic hybrid composites under hygrothermal ageing. This study examines the ageing behaviour of flax/carbon fibre hybrids fabricated using a vacuum-assisted oven-curing process, focusing on moisture diffusion, swelling, and flexural response. Hybridisation reduced diffusion coefficients under hot-wet conditions by 76–96 % and swelling by up to 80 % compared with flax composites. It also enhanced flexural strength and stiffness up to 200 %. The hybrids retained 60–80 % of their flexural strength and 70–90 % of their stiffness after 23, 45, 70 °C water exposure, confirming the effectiveness of the carbon layers in limiting water-induced deformation and preserving interfacial integrity.

Source: Materials Letters

DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2025.139847

Authors: Feras Korkees, Alison Sharratt, Mazen Alqathami

Institutions: Swansea University, Shaqra University

Language: English

Topic: Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,870