(618z) Chemical and Mechanical Analysis of Green Composites Materials Made From Natural Fibers of Hemp, Flax and Hay

The goal of this project was to develop green composites that could potentially serve as an alternative to materials derived from forest and non-renewable sources. The two systems that were investigated are woven fabrics and chopped fibers imbedded in a resin. Flax and hemp woven fabrics were chosen because of their lightweight and exceptional mechanical properties. To make these woven composites withstand moist environments, a commercially available marine resin was utilized as the matrix.  A hand lay-up process was utilized to make multi-layers of fabric imbedded in the resin. The chemical properties were measured with FTIR spectroscopy, and the morphology was imaged with scanning electron microscopy. The tensile, three-point bending, and edgewise compression strengths of these green textile/woven composites were measured using ASTM protocols. We also studied composites made from hay straw fibers. Various chemical treatments of the raw hay were investigated to enhance the moisture resistance and mechanical strength. Our vision for this work is to minimize deforestation by using sustainable agricultural resources to fabricate new green composites for the construction building industry.