EFFECT OF SALT-WATER AGING ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FLAX-WOVEN FABRIC-REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITES

In this investigation four varieties of plain derived-irregular basket-woven-flax fabric-reinforced epoxy (F-E) composites pre-treated with alkali and trimethoxymethylsilane (ATS) were prepared a hand lay-up process by varying their weight fraction fiber loadings (0; 25; 35; 45) w/%. A water-absorption test (salt water) as per ASTM D 570-98 was performed over the fabricated studied its consequences on static mechanical properties (such tensile, flexural, impact interlaminar shear strength) in accordance standards. The results revealed that salt-water-soaked ATS-treated F-E exhibited poorer than unsoaked ones. Moreover, study elaborated kinetics water absorption showed moisture-absorption rate depends fibre content. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) disclosed splittings severe damage at fiber-matrix interface experienced soaked composites.