Research on properties of thermoplastic composites reinforced by flax fabrics

Flax yarn and PP (polypropylene) filaments were twisted together to form a commingled yarn in a fancy twister. Fabrics with plain and twill weaves were woven by using the plied yarn. Composites with five layers of identical fabric weaves were fabricated in a heating press. In this way the reinforcement fibre (the flax) and the matrix (the PP) in the composite may be evenly blended. With complete covering on the flax yarn surface by the PP filaments, abrasion on the reinforcement material in the following processes would be alleviated. Tensile strength test was carried out and the failure mechanism was analyzed, structure of the broken end of the composites was observed by SEM (Scanning electron microscope). (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.