Madhu P, Sharath B N, Srinath M S, Pradeep S, Femiana Gapsari, Ari Wahjudi, Sanjay M R, Suchart Siengchin
This study explores the effects of gamma irradiation on the mechanical and water absorption properties of flax fabric–reinforced epoxy composites for aerospace applications. Composites were fabricated using a manual lay-up technique and subjected to irradiation doses of 0, 100, 300, and 500 k rad. The laminate that was irradiated at 300 k rad (L3) had the best tensile, flexural, impact, and interlaminar shear strengths, and it also absorbed the least amount of water. Scanning electron microscopy showed better interfacial bonding and fewer defects, which proved that L3 had better structural integrity and durability. These results highlight the potential of flax-epoxy composites as environmentally sustainable, durable, and lightweight materials for aerospace components. Their ability to withstand extreme conditions makes them suitable for structural panels, protective enclosures, and insulation layers in space applications. Further studies can refine these composites by exploring hybrid reinforcements and advanced fabrication methods for improved performance under diverse environmental conditions. © 2025 The Author(s)
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malnad College of Engineering (affiliated with Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi), Karnataka, Hassan, India; Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Brawijaya University, MT Haryono 167, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, 10800, Thailand
