Enhancing the Moisture Resistance of Flax Fibres via Enzymatic Treatment
C. Garing (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, University of the Philippines Los Baños, TU Delft - Bio-based Structures & Materials)
Ilse de Pril (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
Ilse van de Voorde (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
Yasmine Mosleh (TU Delft - Bio-based Structures & Materials)
Aart Willem Van Vuure (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
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Abstract
As a sustainable and eco-friendly material, flax fibres offer a viable alternative to glass fibres in composite applications due to their good specific mechanical properties. However, addressing their moisture sensitivity is crucial to expanding their use in various applications. This study investigates the impact of enzymatic treatment on improving the moisture resistance of flax fibres. FlaxTapeTM 200 was treated with two types of polygalacturonase enzymes to selectively remove pectin. The moisture resistance of the treated fibres and their composites was compared with that of untreated samples. The results revealed a significant reduction in moisture uptake at high relative humidity conditions and a decrease in percentage water uptake in both longitudinal and transverse composites after enzymatic treatment. FTIR spectra and contact angle measurement results supported the observed improvement in the moisture resistance of flax fibres. This study highlights the effectiveness of enzymatic treatment in enhancing the moisture durability of flax fibres which further broadens their potential for structural and lightweight composite materials.
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