Fabrication and multi-aspect characterization of polymer composite reinforced with differently stacked flax-fiber and steel-wire meshes

Abstract

This study focuses on developing a new type of multi-fiber reinforced multi-layer polymer composite using natural and metal fibers. Flax fiber has shown potential as a fairly good reinforcement, but its mechanical weaknesses have led researchers to explore hybridization in composites for better performance. The paper reports on the fabrication and characterization of a unique kind of hybrid composite that uses the advantages of stainless steel along with flax fiber, resulting in a lightweight material suitable for engineering uses. In this research, SS-304 wire mesh is used along with flax fibers to make three different composites, with varying stacking arrangements. Experimental results indicate that, although the inclusion of steel wire mesh slightly reduces interlaminar shear strength, significant improvements are observed in tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness and impact resistance. Stereo-microscopy is utilized to analyze surface features and stacking sequences, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals fracture surfaces in tensile and flexural specimens. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) mapping helps to identify the elemental compositions present in the composites. This study demonstrates that metal reinforcement can enhance the mechanical properties of flax-reinforced polymer composites, providing a lightweight and sustainable solution for engineering applications.