Influence of fiber structure modification on the mechanical properties of flax fiber-epoxy composites

The mechanical characteristics of flax fibers were optimized by using the N aOH treatment process to improve the properties of composite materials. Shr inkage of the fibers during this treatment had a significant effect on the structure and, as a result, on the mechanical properties of the fibers and the composites based on them. Due to the higher mechanical strength and sti ffness of flax fibers after NaOH treatment under isometric conditions, the strength and stiffness of composites in general increase. Fur-ther, NaOH tr eatment leads to a rougher surface morphology as shown, e.g.,for jute fiber s, compared with the surface of untreated fibers without improved fiber/mat rix adhesion.