Effect of microcrystalline cellulose on the mechanical properties of fax reinforced methylmethacrylate and urethane acrylate composites

Many structural applications are atracted to natural fbre-reinforced polymeric com?posites due to their eco-friendliness, recyclability, and cost-efectiveness. While signif?cant progress has been made, their interface compatibility with the polymeric matrix is still challenging. Therefore, the present study proposed a method for improving the mechanical and dynamic mechanical performance of fax-reinforced novel methyl?methacrylate (Elium®) and urethane acrylate (Crestapol®) composites. The technique involved the dispersion of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in the matrix at diferent weight percentages (0.5–0.75%) to improve the fbre/matrix interface. Flax/Elium® (FE) and fax/Crestapol® (FC) composites with varying weight percentages of MCC were manufactured using the vacuum infusion method. The resulting improvements in mechanical and dynamic properties were evaluated through in-plane shear (± 45° tensile), fexural, short beam shear, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The efects of MCC on these properties of fax/Elium® were compared to those of fax/ Crestapol® composites. The addition of MCC improved the in-plane shear strength (FE: 13–20%, FC: 10–17%), fexural strength (FE: 6–13%, FC: 13%) and interlaminar shear strength (FE: 9–17%, FC: 10–20%). Also, FE composite showed 7–11%, 10–14% and 10–17% higher in-plane shear, fexural and interlaminar shear strengths, respec?tively, compared to FC composites. The DMA results confrmed the positive efect of Elium® resin and MCC on the dynamic storage and loss modulus.