Mechanical, morphological, and water absorption properties of a new hybrid composite material made from 4 harness satin woven carbon fibres and flax fibres in an epoxy matrix

This study characterized the mechanical, morphological, and water absorption properties of a new hybrid composite material made of a Type A configuration (i.e. [0-90C2/0F12/0-90C2]) of 4 harness satin woven carbon fibres (i.e. alternating fibre bundles in a 3 over/1 under weave with bundles at 0° and 90°) plus commercially designated “unidirectional” flax fibres, as well as a Type B configuration (i.e. [0-90C2/±45F6S/0-90C2]) of 4 harness satin woven carbon and ±45° alternating flax fibres, both in an epoxy matrix. Mechanical test measured elastic modulus, shear modulus, ultimate normal strength, or ultimate shear strength for tension, compression, bending, and torsion, as well as Rockwell E hardness. Scanning electron microscopy provided void, fibre, and matrix fractions per volume. Water absorption tests measured water weight uptake at saturation and Fickian diffusion coefficient. This new hybrid composite may be suitable for various research and industrial applications.