OPTIMIZATION OF FLAX FABRIC/POLYESTER COMPOSITES FOR AUTOMOTIVE INTERIOR APPLICATIONS: MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE, AND MOISTURE RESISTANCE

Abstract

This study provides a critical analysis of optimizing polyester composites for automotive interior components through the use of flax fabric-reinforced polyester composite. In terms of sustainability, it explores how fiber orientation, alkali treatment, and rib reinforcement can be optimized to enhance mechanical properties and moisture resistance. Low-density, green flax fibers were treated with 5% sodium hydroxide for 20 minutes, resulting in unidirectional composites with improved tensile strength (70.03 MPa) and flexural strength (96.71 MPa) due to a strengthened fiber-matrix interaction. The incorporation of ribbed reinforcement also increased the modulus of rupture to as high as 266.7 MPa, signifying enhanced load-carrying capacity. Among the various categories of test specimens, CM 4/1 exhibited the highest water resistance, absorbing only 6.4% of water within 72 hours, making it suitable for use in humid conditions within car interiors, such as dashboards and door panels. Furthermore, compression molding (CM) and resin transfer molding (RTM) were compared, revealing that CM outperformed RTM in terms of stiffness, strength, and water resistance.One of the principal contributions of this work is a performance-based ranking matrix that uses mechanical and environmental data to propose the best material combinations. intriguing avenue toward the replacement of sustainable applied in car design.This study is significant because it not only demonstrates that flax/polyester composites can meet the dual requirements of mechanical performance and environmental durability for automotive interiors but also provides a practical selection tool for matching composite configurations to specific component demands, supporting the automotive industry’s sustainability objectives.