Application of polymer composites with plant reinforcement used in machine and aircraft environmental conditions

Plant reinforced composites are more widely introduced in the automotive or construction industry. Due to good thermal and acoustic insulation, low weight, economical and ecological benefits and limitations resulting mostly from low mechanical strength, they are used primarily as elements, which do not carry heavy loads. Yet, they perform decorative and insulating functions. Expanding the spectrum of usage is connected with analysing properties of these materials in various application conditions. The following article presents results of static tensile tests of composites reinforced with jute, linen and cotton used in changeable environmental conditions. The significance of influence exerted by such factors as water, hydraulic oil, technical lubricant and conditions of moderate climate were evaluated. Taking into account the potential possibilities of using composites with natural reinforcement in aircraft construction, e.g. in helicopters, the influence exerted by direct impact of aviation fuel were tested. It was concluded that different application conditions subject to research do not exert an identical influence on tested composites. Statistically significant influence on the change of tensile strength is exerted while application of cotton composites in water. Composites with jute lose their properties during usage in autumn moderate climate and in hydraulic oil. Conversely, composites reinforced with linen react negatively to the environment of technical lubricant and aviation fuel.