Influence of process and test parameters on the mechanical properties of flax/epoxy composites using response surface methodology

This article presents investigations on the influence of process and test parameters on the mechanical and physical properties of flax/epoxy composites using experimental design method. Specimens fabricated and tested with parameters given by a Doehlert experimental design system have been submitted to quasi-static mechanical loadings, as well as fibre volume fraction and ply thickness measurements. Response surfaces methodology allowed the determination of empirical polynomials corresponding to mechanical responses and to fibre content measurements. The study showed the strong influence of the temperature test parameter on material’s mechanical properties and specimens’ fracture, followed by compression pressure and number of plies parameters.