Mechanical and Physical Properties of Recycled Cellulose Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Eco-Composites

摘要

Epoxy composites reinforced with recycled cellulose fibre (RCF) have been synthesized and characterized. The reinforcement by RCF has resulted in a significant increase in the strain at break, fracture toughness and impact toughness but moderate increase in flexural strength and flexural modulus. The effect of seawater soaking on the flexural and impact properties has also been investigated. The micromechanisms of toughening and crack-tip failure processes are identified and discussed in the light of observed microstructures from in-situ and ex-situ fracture.