Tensile and compressive behaviour of multilayer flax-rib knitted preform reinforced epoxy composites

► We examine the tensile and compressive behaviour of flax knitted/epoxy composite laminates. ► The effect of number of preform layers and the lay-up architecture were studied. ► Morphological study on the fractured surface of the composite laminate is carried out. ► Tensile behaviour is a synergy of fibre/matrix whereas compressive properties are contributed by reinforcing matrix.