Fatigue behavior of Natural Fibre Composites under hygrothermal conditions

This project aims to investigate the effect of humidity and temperature on the dynamic mechanical properties of Natural Fibre Composites (NFCs). As plant fibre reinforced composites are sensitive to humidity, hence it has a major effect on the static and dynamic mechanical properties of NCFs. Hence, the hygrothermal effect on this type of composites should be taken into account. Besides, one of the common reasons of failure in any type of structure with moving components is, when they are loaded with a cyclic stress, called fatigue. Thus, a better understanding of the long-term properties of flax fibres is essential to ensure the durability of a part. In this regard, the properties of flax composites will be thoroughly investigated by looking specifically at the influence of matrix type, and of humidity and temperature under cyclic stress for a long time. The first step deals with the tensile properties characterization of various NFCs. This is followed by the investigation of the fatigue behavior of biocomposites under hygrothermal conditions. This information is combined with the initial information of flax fibre composites in order to establish a database for the materials selection process according to the desired application.