Experimental Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Composites Reinforced by Flax and Basalt Natural Fibers

Currently, a large interest and research activity are dedicated to find proper solutions to minimize the environmental impact in production and use of composite materials. Ecosustainability seems to represent one relevant key-driver for developments. New environmental regulations and changing governmental attitudes are, in fact, stimulating the research of new products and processes environmental friendly. As reinforcement, natural fibers (flax, kenaf, wood, bamboo...) are largely investigated as alternative to synthetic fibers (glass, carbon, kevlar...), together with procedural solutions for mixing fibers (named as “hybridization”) with the aim at improving material performances. As matrix, several eco-based resins are already available on the market offering their environmental sustainability in terms of “green” origin of raw materials and/or low toxicity. This research presents an experimental evaluation of mechanical proprieties in the case of natural, hybrid and technological composites as base for selecting the most appropriate sustainable material for each industrial application.