Innovant agromaterials formulated with flax shaves and proteinic binder: Process and characterization

Nowadays, the request to use materials preserving the environment is in strong growth. The good mechanical properties, honeycomb structure and low density of flax-shaves allow them to be used as aggregate in polymeric matrix composite. The innovation of this work consists in introducing a simple manufacturing process of agro-composites based on flax-shaves (non-industrial flax-fiber fraction) for various applications (packaging, insulation, construction, ... ). Using scanning electron microscopy, the structure and morphology of the composites have been analysed. This investigation is focused on the effects of the flax-shave content and size on the mechanical, thermal, hydric and acoustic properties of the composites. The compressive and flexural stresses at failure decrease as a function of flax-shave content and size. The environment has very significant effects on thermal stability and durability of these materials. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.