Advancing sustainable composites. Processing and properties of bio‐based epoxy resin reinforced with flax fibers

Replacing traditional thermoset resins with performing bio-based alternatives plays a crucial role in the development of new sustainable composite materials. The use of resins obtained from renewable resources, such as vegetable oils or agricultural waste, addresses environmental issues related to the depletion of fossil resources and the emission of harmful pollutants during the resin production and disposal. In this work, flax fiber-reinforced composites with AMPRO BIO epoxy matrix are fabricated, addressing the relationships between processing parameters, structural features, and resulting properties. After identifying the optimal conditions to achieve an epoxy system with favorable characteristics, composites with different fiber orientations were manufactured to assess the influence of fiber configuration on their properties. Results highlight the relevance of bio-based resins as sustainable alternatives, offering insights into their potential to meet both environmental and performance requirements in composite manufacturing. In particular, the AMPRO BIO/flax composites offer a favorable balance of thermomechanical properties and low weight, highlighting their potential for use in external prosthetic components and automotive applications. Overall, this research contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop eco-friendly materials and advance the field of sustainable composites.