Antoine Le Duigou

PLLA/Flax Mat/Balsa Bio-Sandwich—Environmental Impact and Simplified Life Cycle Analysis

In the present paper the environmental impact of biocomposites and bio-sandwich materials production are evaluated, using simplified Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) following the procedure recommended in the ISO 14044 standard. The materials are dimensioned and evaluated by comparing with reference materials, glass mat reinforced unsatured polyester and glass mat/unsatured polyester/balsa sandwich. The results indicate that bio-sandwich materials are very attractive in terms environmental impact. However further improvements in biocomposite and bio-sandwich mechanical strength are necessary if they are to be used in transport application compared to glass/polyester and glass/polyester/balsa sandwich.

Tensile properties of flax fibers

Abstract Flax is a dicotyledon of the Linacea family, and the plant Linum usitatissimum L. is the most widely grown. It is an annual plant, it is resown annually, and it provides fibers and seeds rich in oil. Flax fibers find uses both in textiles but also for polymer reinforcement. These uses are understandable because they are available in Europe, know-how exists, the single fibers are long compared to many fibers obtained from plants and they have good mechanical properties. The aim of this chapter is to present the properties of flax fibers generally. In the first part, the plant will be presented, then the fibers and their mechanical properties. Finally, the chapter will be completed with remarks on the use of these fibers as polymer reinforcements.