K. M. Hess, W. V. Srubar III*
Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.3, No.3, pp. 175-182, 2015, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2015.634106
Abstract This article concerns the development and characterization of a protein-based alternative to traditional fiberreinforced polymer (FRP) composites used in construction. In this work, gelatin-based resins were prepared at
various gelatin-to-water (g/w) ratios. The effects of g/w ratio and curing time on resin mechanical properties
were investigated. Using gelatin resins with a 30% g/w ratio, (i) gelatin-flax and (ii) gelatin-fiberglass composites
were fabricated, and their mechanical properties were characterized and compared to both (iii) epoxy-flax and
(iv) epoxy-fiberglass composites. Fracture surface morphologies were investigated using scanning electron
microscopy. Results indicate that gelatin-flax composites exhibit similar mechanical More >