Characterisation of impact resistance of composite reinforced by hybridised carbon-flax fibres in polyfurfuryl alcohol resin

Abstract Research on polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) bioresin has increased due to its unique flame-retardant property. This study utilised the hybridisation of carbon and flax fibres in combination with PFA resin to make fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The samples were tested for low-velocity impact at an energy of 20 Joules. Results showed that the fibres-hybridised PFA-based sample had higher energy absorption compared to the carbon-fibre only sample. More importantly, the hybridised sample retained almost the same amount of flexural modulus after impact, while carbon fibre only FRP sample lost more than 20% of its flexural modulus. This highlights the benefits of hybridisation in impact resistance and retention of mechanical properties post-impact in the presence of PFA resin, which is consistent with previous reports of epoxy-based FRP composites. In conclusion, the combination of fibre hybridisation and PFA bioresin presents a promising solution to meet strict flame-retardant requirements, impact resistance needs, and reduce environmental carbon footprint for engineering applications.