Flax Tape

Unidirectional flax fiber tapes that can be infused with resin to create ultra-lightweight composites. In this particular format the best mechanical properties of flax are achieved and the textile requires less resin than traditional woven flax, glass or carbon fabrics. Flax is rapidly renewable, light (low density of 1.45 gcc), has an electrical insulation (CTE) close to 0, and has a higher damping (impact absorption) ratio than carbon and glass. In addition, the use of raw fibers within the flax tape creates a competitively priced material. The flax tape is soft, easy to handle and cut, and is supplied as a reinforcement to a composite manufacturer for use with conventional processes such as infusion, resin transfer molding (RTM), film stacking, and prepreg. The flax tape can be cross-laid for increased tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. This material is available in different weights: 50, 70, 110 and 200 gsm (1.5, 2, 3.2 and 5.9 oz/yd2) for minimum composite parts of 0.05, 0.07, 0.11 and 0.2 mm (2, 2.8, 4.3 and 7.9 mil) respectively. The tapes are 400 mm in (15.7 in) width and supplied as a roll 65 – 150 linear m (71 – 164 yd) in length, depending on the weight. The tape is rolled up around a paperboard core, with a sheet of paper to facilitate unrolling, then placed in a polyethylene bag to protect from humidity; it can be stored in this way for up to 1 year. Flax is naturally taupe in color and could be dyed prior to impregnation with resin but this affects the absorption of resin; an alternative is to color or coat the resin after the composite is formed. The mechanical properties of the composites made with the flax tape vary depending on the resin and method of manufacture however there is data available from the manufacturer regarding modulus, tensile strength and failure strain of various composites for comparative purposes. Applications include sporting equipment (rackets, bicycle frames, skis, boards) and for weight reduction in automotive, aeronautical, boating and wind energy applications.