Fabrication and Characterization of 100% Green Composite: Thermoplastic Based on Wheat Flour Reinforced by Flax Fibers

Biocomposites having flax fibers as reinforcement in wheat flour based thermoplastic matrix were prepared by extrusion method. The fiber content of the composites varied from 0% to 20% w/w. The structure and morphology of the fiber and composites prepared were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron micrograph methods. The mechanical properties such as stress at failure, strain at failure, and tensile modulus were studied as a function of fiber content. The incorporation of fiber to the matrix increased the tensile properties and is maximum for the composite having a fiber loading of 20% w/w. Thermal stability of the fiber and the composite having various fiber content (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% w/w) was analyzed by thermogravimetric method. There is no significant variation in the thermal stability of the composites. Finally, comparative studies of the mechanical properties were done to evaluate the efficiency of this new system. POLYM. COMPOS., 30:1595-1600, 2009. (c) 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers