Potential of Flax Fiber reinforced biopolymer composites for cross-arm application in transmission tower: A review

Abstract

Man-made composites are vastly implemented in various engineering applications, particularly in cross-arm component of latticed transmission tower. However, their practice in this sector has increased pollutant emissions and landfill areas. Thus, scientists and engineers have been driven to look for other ‘greener’ alternative materials that have low-cost and renewable sources. Flax fibers and poly(lactic) acid (PLA) biopolymer have been extensively used to develop vast green composite structural products because of their great mechanical behaviours. A comprehensive understanding of properties of composite materials is essential to evaluate their applicability, especially in structural applications. This manuscript discusses the physic-mechanical properties and processing and manufacturability of flax fiber, PLA biopolymer and their composites. This review also comprehensively discovers the potential of fabric flax fiber-reinforced PLA composites for cross-arm application. The chemical composition, extraction, treatment and fabrications of these fiber and biopolymer are elaborated deeply given that these aspects are essential for the development of green composite cross-arm.