Original Article
Year : 2023 | Volume : 4 | Issue : 2 | Page : 19-25
Functional Behaviors of Flax-Derived Natural Fibers as Sustainable Reinforcements for Polymer Composites with Biomedical Prospects
Karthik Krishnasamy, Mohan A, S. Kolappan, P. Jagadesh, K. Arunkumar
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600062, India.
Address for Correspondence:
Dr. Karthik Krishnaswamy
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600062, India.
Email ID: karthikk@veltech.edu.in
Abstract
This study investigates the functional properties of natural fibers extracted from the stem of Linum usitatissimum (flax) as eco-friendly reinforcements for polymer composites, emphasizing their prospective use in dental biomaterials. Tensile testing demonstrated an average strength of 7.4 MPa, highlighting their suitability for non-load-bearing and semi- structural dental applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a crystallinity index of 50– 70%, indicative of ordered cellulose microdomains that contribute to dimensional stability and enhanced adhesion with resin matrices. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups relevant to polymer bonding, with absorption bands at 3340 cm−1 (hydroxyl), 2900 cm−1 (methylene), and 1030 cm−1 (C–O in cellulose). The abundance of hydroxyl groups offers opportunities for surface modification to improve fiber– resin interfacial bonding, crucial for dental composites. Owing to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and favorable structural order, flax fibers hold promise for dental restorative applications such as resin-based composites, interim prosthetic materials, and bioactive fillers, supporting the development of sustainable alternatives to conventional glass or synthetic fibers.
Keywords:
Natural fiber, sustainable development, functional analysis.
Conflict of interest
The authors have nothing to disclose or any conflicts of interest
Source of funding
None
How to cite this article: Karthik Krishnasamy, Mohan A, S., Kolappan, P. Jagadeesh, K. Arunkumar (2023). Functional Behaviours of Flax-Derived Natural Fibers as Sustainable Reinforcement for Polymer Composites with Biomedical Prospects. International Journal of Prosthodontic Rehabilitation, 4(2), 19–25. https://doi.org/10.56501/Int.J.Prosthodont.Rehabil.v4.i1.intjpr0005
