Flax fibre composite panel (1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 5mm laminate sheets)
Natural Fibre Composite
ATLAS CODE
COM-FRC-NFC-002
Category composite
Material Family Fibre-Reinforced
Density
1.35 g/cm3
Carbon (A1-A5)
Data not available
Lifespan
20-50 years (interior), 10-20 years (exterior protected) yrs
Description
Flax fibre composite panels use flax fibres in polymer matrices (e.g., epoxy). A flax/epoxy woven laminate data set reports density ~1.35 g/cm3, tensile strength ~120 MPa, tensile modulus ~13.5 GPa, and flexural strength ~165 MPa, with properties dependent on fibre volume fraction and processing. Flax fibre itself has reported tensile strength in the range ~345?1830 MPa and modulus ~27?80 GPa.
Primary Sectors
[Commercial][Residential]
Typical Uses
- Interior wall panels in commercial buildings
- Acoustic panels and ceiling systems
- Modular and prefabricated housing components
- Marine vessel interiors and non-structural components
- Automotive interior panels and trim
- Furniture and architectural features
- Sports equipment and consumer products
- Exhibition and display systems
- Partitions in Class 1 residential buildings
- Non-structural decorative elements
Recycled Content 0% (virgin agricultural fibres)
Renewable Content 50-80% (fibre + bio-resin content)
Recyclability Limited - 6-46% property degradation
Embodied Carbon Data not available
Embodied Energy 55 GJ/tonne MJ/kg
EPD Available No
Advantages
Low density (~1.35 g/cm3) for flax/epoxy laminatesTensile strength around 120 MPa in laminate exampleFlax fibres have high specific stiffness compared with many natural fibres
Cautions
Properties are highly dependent on fibre orientation and volume fractionFire performance not specified without system testingMoisture sensitivity depends on resin system and protective coatings
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-FRC-NFC-002
Density (Dry) 1.35 g/cm3
Specific Gravity 1.4-1.5
Porosity 2-4% (resin-dependent) %
Water Absorption 1.5-3.3% (24 hours at 23°C) %
Hardness Shore D 70-80
Surface Roughness Ra 2-5 μm (moulded surface) μm
UV Resistance Poor - requires protective coating
Chemical Resistance Moderate - affected by alkaline solutions
pH Tolerance 4-9 pH range
Compressive Strength 100-150 MPa MPa
Tensile Strength 120 MPa
Flexural Strength 165 MPa
Shear Strength 20-30 MPa MPa
Elastic Modulus 13.5 GPa
Yield Strength 50-80 MPa MPa
Impact Resistance 15-25 kJ/m² (Charpy) J/m
Poisson's Ratio 0.35-0.4
Creep Resistance Poor under sustained load at >50% ultimate strength
Abrasion Resistance Moderate - Taber index 45-60 mg/1000 cycles
Thermal Conductivity 0.182-0.213 W/m·K W/mK
Thermal Resistance R-value 0.005-0.024 m²·K/W (thickness dependent) m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 1,200-1,400 J/kg·K J/kgK
Thermal Expansion -1.2 × 10⁻⁶/K (fibre direction), 75 × 10⁻⁶/K (transverse) μm/m·K
Sound Transmission Class (STC) STC 28-35 (3-5mm panels)
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.095-0.11
Optical
Light Transmittance 0% (opaque) %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 15-25% (natural colour) %
Flax fibre composites emerged as sustainable alternatives to glass fibre in the 1990s, with applications expanding across automotive and building sectors as processing and resin systems improved.
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-FRC-NFC-002
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) Data not available
Embodied Energy 55 GJ/tonne MJ/kg
Water Footprint 3,800-4,200 L/kg fibre L/kg
EPD Available No
LEED Points MR credits: 2-4 points potential
Circular Economy Score 3/10 (limited recycling infrastructure) /100
VOC Emissions <50 g/L (bio-epoxy systems) g/L
Skill Level Intermediate - composite experience beneficial
Crew Size 2-3 persons for panel installation
Installation Time 4-6 m²/hour (wall panels) hr/m²
Curing Time N/A for pre-cured panels hours
Setting Time 24 hours for adhesive mounting min
Temperature Range 10-35°C installation temperature °C
Humidity Range 40-80% RH during installation %
Required Tools
Diamond-tipped saw bladesCarbide drill bitsDust extraction systemPersonal protective equipmentMechanical fastening systemsStructural adhesives
Certifications Required
General construction induction (White Card)Working at heights (if applicable)Composite materials handling training recommended
Weather Limitations
Avoid installation in rainTemperature range 10-35°CHumidity <80% during adhesive application
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-FRC-NFC-002
Design Life 20-50 years (interior), 10-20 years (exterior protected) years
Warranty Period 1 year (consumer), 10-15 years projected (structural) years
Maintenance Interval Annual inspection, 3-5 year coating renewal (exterior) months
Service Temp Range -40°C to +80°C continuous, 120°C intermittent °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance 100 cycles: 8-10% property reduction
Dimensional Stability ±0.5% linear change with moisture cycling
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.