Influence of Hygrothermal Aging on Mechanical Properties and Damage Mechanisms of Hemp-Reinforced Biocomposites

Biocomposites are being developed for structural applications, particularly in the automotive industry. The use of plant fibers as reinforcement is a first step toward development eco-materials, but it necessary to also more eco-friendly matrix. In this paper, woven hemp composites impregnated with two different eco-polymers compared: hemp/Greenpoxy and hemp/Elium. Greenpoxy partially bio-based thermoset resin, Elium recyclable thermoplastic polymer. influence various hygrothermal aging conditions on mechanical properties these studied, results compared behavior samples stored at ambient temperature humidity. Water immersion was carried out three temperatures: 21°C, 60°C 70°C. A Fick’s law used model water uptake. Modulated DSC performed measure evolution glass transition temperatures. Repeated progressive tensile loading tests were instrumented acoustic emission monitoring. damage factor, residual strains events analyzed. Fracture surface analysis microtomography observations performed. Damage mechanisms discussed. Results show that highly affected by whatever matrix, increase affects differently.