The environmental degradation behaviour of flax fibers and their mechanical
properties were investigated. Upgraded Duralin flax fibers, which have bee
n treated by a novel treatment process for improved moisture and rot sensit
ivity, were studied. Results showed that upgraded Duralin flax fibers absor
bed less moisture than untreated Green flax fibers, whereas the mechanical
properties of the upgraded fibers were retained with moisture absorption, i
f not improved. In addition electrochemical studies were conducted on these
fibers. These data agreed well with conventional moisture absorption data.
Zeta (zeta)-potential measurements at different pH-levels showed differenc
es for Duralin fibers, which can be attributed to differences in morphologi
cal features. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.