Tag Archives: Natural fibres

107-114 J. Kers, P. Peetsalu, M. Saarna, A. Viikna, A. Krumme and A.Menind
Preliminary Investigation into Tensile Characteristics of Long Flax Fibre Reinforced Composite Material
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Preliminary Investigation into Tensile Characteristics of Long Flax Fibre Reinforced Composite Material

J. Kers¹, P. Peetsalu¹, M. Saarna¹, A. Viikna², A. Krumme² and A.Menind³

¹ Department of Materials Engineering, Tallinn University of Technology,
Ehitajate tee 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia; e-mail: jaan.kers@ttu.ee
² Department of Polymer Materials, Tallinn University of Technology,
Ehitajate tee 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia
³ Institute of Technology, Estonian University of Life Sciences,
1 Kreutzwaldi Str., EE51014, Tartu, Estonia

Abstract:

Natural fibre composites are materials formed by polymer resin matrix and reinforced with natural fibres mainly formed by cellulose, originating thus from plants, such as hemp, jute, flax, sisal, banana, etc. The advantage of natural fibre materials is their biodegradability and the fact that they are a renewable resource. In Estonia, the most common plant for natural fibre manufacturing has been flax due to its long tradition of cultivation. Flax is currently no longer grown for textile production because of the economic situation, although the weather conditions are very suitable. Nevertheless, flax is still cultivated in small quantities for linseed oil production in Estonia. Experimental methods for manufacturing non-woven industrial textiles like felt and mats from short flax fibres are depicted. Long flax fibres were used as reinforcement in matrix of epoxy resin for experimental manufacturing of natural fibre reinforced composite material. The most important characteristic of all non-woven materials is tensile strength. The results of the tested natural fibre composite materials are presented. The potential fields of application for long flax fibre reinforced composite material are car, marine and windmill industry.

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201-207 P. Peetsalu,, J. Resev, A. Ruus, A. Menind, Jaan Kers, S. Sepper and J. Olt
Preliminary Investigation into Mechanical Properties of Clay Reinforced with Natural Fibres
Abstract |
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Preliminary Investigation into Mechanical Properties of Clay Reinforced with Natural Fibres

P. Peetsalu¹,², J. Resev², A. Ruus², A. Menind³, Jaan Kers¹, S. Sepper¹ and J. Olt³

1 Department of Materials Engineering, Tallinn University of Technology
2 Tartu College, Tallinn University of Technology
³ Institute of Technology, Estonian University of Life Sciences,
56 Kreutzwaldi Str., EE51014 Tartu, Estonia
e-mail: jaan.kers@ttu.ee, andres.menind@emu.ee

Abstract:

Nowadays natural materials are popular and favoured in civil engineering. At the same time it is important to use renewable and local materials which have low CO2 production. One of these materials is clay reinforced with natural fibres. For production purpose it is necessary to find the natural fibres which have suitable properties and can be grown in large amounts. This kind of fibre is flax, which produces a strong fibre. The article focuses on flax as a reinforcing natural fibre in clay which can be used for walls and undercoat plasters. Flax is milled to fractions with different length and mixed with clay, sand and water. Dried clay mix cube’s compressive strength is measured. Finally the best fraction as for flax length and amount is suggested for future experiments to find out the best fraction of fibres for clay with good compressive strength.

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