'Green' composites using modified soy protein concentrate resin and flax fabrics and yarns

Abstract

Fully biodegradable, environment-friendly 'green' composites were fabricated using glutaraldehyde (GA) modified (MSPC-1) and GA and poly(vinyl alcohol) modified (MSPC-2) soy protein concentrate (SPC) resins. The SPC modifications resulted in better thermal and mechanical properties and lower moisture absorption due to the additional cross-linking provided by GA. Flax fabrics were used to reinforce MSPC-1 resin to produce composite sheets. Flax yarns were used to fabricate unidirectional composites using MSPC-2 resin. The fabric reinforced composites showed strength values of 50-55 MPa and Young's modulus values around 1 GPa. The yarn reinforced composites showed strength of over 125 MPa and modulus values of about 2.25 GPa in the longitudinal direction. These results indicate that green composites may be made with useful mechanical properties. The flax yarn reinforced composites may be used in secondary structural applications in automotive, housing and packaging whereas fabric reinforced composites may be used in packaging and indoor panels.