https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202532603003
Experimental evaluation of the degradation of bio-based composites under extreme conditions: Impact on mechanical performance and durability
Nantes Université, Ecole Centrale Nantes, CNRS, GeM, UMR 6183, F-44600 Saint-Nazaire, France.
* Corresponding author: jamal.fajoui@univ-nantes.fr
Published online: 21 May 2025
This paper characterizes the impact of long-term cyclic hygrothermal aging behavior on mechanical properties of bio-based balsa core sandwich structures through experimental investigation of moisture diffusion cycles, moisture-induced swelling effects, degradation of bending strength and stiffness, as well as the damage modes initiated in skins, skin/core interfaces and the balsa core. The structural strength and stiffness were found to be retained at 90% of the initial state after two complete moisture absorption-desorption cycles, indicating that the elastic properties of the balsa core sandwich structure can be rapidly recovered within a 7-day desorption process. Moreover, it was demonstrated that damage mechanisms including balsa wood core shear cracks and glass fiber breakage in skins would propagate more easily due to the long-term hygroscopic aging. These findings are crucial for the development of bio-based plant fiber reinforced composite structures applied in offshore wind turbines and maritime industry to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a circular economy.
© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2025
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
