The Experts below are selected from a list of 696 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Simon Bickerton - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Characterisation of woven flax fibres reinforcements: Effect of the shear on the in-plane permeability
Journal of Composite Materials, 2017Co-Authors: Pierre-jacques Liotier, Quentin Govignon, Elinor Swery, Sylvain Drapier, Simon BickertonAbstract:This paper describes a method to characterise the influence of in-plane shear on the permeability of fibrous preforms used in Liquid Composite Moulding processes. An optical method for measuring the local shear variation of the woven textile is presented and used in conjunction with an in-plane permeability measurement system. Two flax fibre fabrics were tested and compared with a woven glass fibre fabric of similar architecture. The system presented here can be used either as a validation tool for permeability prediction models or to compile semi-empirical permeability models for the use in Liquid Composite Moulding process simulation tools.
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Permeability of sheared woven flax fibres reinforcements; permeability measurements of the orthotropic behaviour
2014Co-Authors: Pierre-jacques Liotier, Quentin Govignon, Elinor Swery, Sylvain Drapier, Simon BickertonAbstract:Introduction With the increased use of Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes in the aeronautical and automotive industries, the complexity of the parts and quality requirements have increased tremendously. The development of fabric forming models and the refinement of mould filling simulations, calls for improved material models to achieve the predictions expected by the industry. Accurate permeability data of reinforcing materials is essential in order to conduct LCM simulations and design the manufacturing process more efficiently [1]. Permeability is predominantly a function of the reinforcement architecture and its fibre volume fraction, both of which are affected by textile deformation when used to manufacture complex 3D parts. The push for more sustainable materials either biodegradable or fully recyclable has also pushed the Composite industry to look increasingly at bio-based reinforcements and resins. The bio-based reinforcement being formed from the assembly of short fibrils of variable geometry into continuous strands have very different forming and permeability properties than traditional Composite reinforcements formed by assembling continuous fibre with smooth geometry.
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Permeability of sheared woven flax fibres reinforcements ; definition of parameters to model complex shape Composites part processing by LCM
2014Co-Authors: Pierre-jacques Liotier, Quentin Govignon, Elinor Swery, Sylvain Drapier, Simon BickertonAbstract:With the increased use of Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes in the aeronautical and automotive industries, the complexity of the parts and quality requirements have increased tremendously. The development of fabric forming models and the refinement of mould filling simulations, calls for improved material models to achieve the predictions expected by the industry. Accurate permeability data of reinforcing materials is essential in order to conduct LCM simulations and design the manufacturing process more efficiently [1]. Permeability is predominantly a function of the reinforcement architecture and its fibre volume fraction, both of which are affected by textile deformation when used to manufacture complex 3D parts. The push for more sustainable materials either biodegradable or fully recyclable has also pushed the Composite industry to look increasingly at bio-based reinforcements and resins. The bio-based reinforcement being formed from the assembly of short fibrils of variable geometry into continuous strands have very different forming and permeability properties than traditional Composite reinforcements formed by assembling continuous fibre with smooth geometry. This study compares the permeability characteristics of two different flax fibre fabrics with different tow size and a glass fibre fabric with an equivalent tow dimension. In order to gather information on the behaviour of such reinforcements during LCM manufacturing processes, the permeability behaviour of sheared textiles was determined. The fabrics were sheared before conducting the permeability tests, simulating the textile deformation that is present when preforming textiles in 3D moulds and the effects of these deformations on the textile properties were observed.
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resin infusion Liquid Composite Moulding lcm of advanced fibre reinforced polymer frp
Advanced Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites for Structural Applications, 2013Co-Authors: Simon Bickerton, Quentin Govignon, Piaras KellyAbstract:Abstract: The term Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) encompasses a family of processes in which a dry fibrous reinforcement is impregnated by a Liquid resin inside a sealed cavity. As the understanding and control of these processes improve, their field of application widens. LCM processes can be used as a replacement to decrease the environmental impact and improve the quality of Composite parts made via traditional open-mould processes. they can also provide a cost-cutting alternative to prepreg techniques while maintaining a high part quality. This chapter describes the variety of processes blanketed under the class Liquid Composite Moulding and the research advances in the monitoring and simulation of these processes. the subsequent section presents the current usage of LCM techniques in the field of civil engineering, including some case studies, before outlining some future trends and offering sources for further information.
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simulating the effect of temperature elevation on clamping force requirements during rigid tool Liquid Composite Moulding processes
Composites Part A-applied Science and Manufacturing, 2012Co-Authors: Abhishek Gupta, Piaras Kelly, Simon Bickerton, W. WalbranAbstract:Abstract Moulds used for rigid-tool Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes, namely Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) and Compression RTM, are often subjected to large internal forces which originate due to resin injection and from the compaction of fibre reinforcements. Appropriate clamping equipment (e.g. press or perimeter clamps) is necessary to equilibrate these forces. An optimal selection (or design) of such clamping equipment calls for an accurate prediction of the tooling forces generated. This work aims to introduce a comprehensive numerical scheme which addresses this issue, including the case of non-isothermal mould filling. A hybrid Finite Element/Finite Difference (FE/FD) methodology is utilised for solving the coupled flow/energy/species equations. A new fibre compaction model, developed in order to reduce computational complexity while maintaining solution accuracy, is implemented into the simulation algorithm. The force predictions obtained for a planar axisymmetric part reveal that the chosen combination of mould and resin temperatures, together with other process variables, plays a crucial role in allowing fast fill times while keeping setup costs low.
Pierre-jacques Liotier - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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surface energy determination of fibres for Liquid Composite Moulding processes method to estimate equilibrium contact angles from static and quasi static data
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2021Co-Authors: William Garat, Quentin Govignon, Monica Francesca Pucci, Romain Leger, Florentin Berthet, Didier Perrin, Patrick Ienny, Pierre-jacques LiotierAbstract:Abstract Interest in eco-Composites incorporating elements from recycling is growing to reduce the carbon footprint of final products. Therefore, the characterisation surface properties of recycled fibres is of first importance. However, in order to maximise the service properties and facilitate their development, chemical surface treatments can be made in order to improve fibres compatibility with resins. For a better understanding of the behaviour of these new reinforcements during Liquid Composite Moulding processes (LCM), surface analysis and wetting properties are studied. However, this type of analysis, using the Owens and Wendt relation and based on tensiometric methods, requires special procedures, specifically for estimation of the contact angle. Based on two tensiometric methods, carbon and basalt fibres with different sizing are characterised in first approach, in order to be able to address recycled materials in further studies. The main contribution of this study is to evaluate the error in surface energy and its components determination associated to the measurement of an alleged equilibrium contact angle deriving from static or quasi-static data.
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capillary wicking in bio based reinforcements undergoing swelling dual scale consideration of porous medium
Composites Part A-applied Science and Manufacturing, 2020Co-Authors: Monica Francesca Pucci, Sylvain Drapier, Stephane Corn, Le N Moigne, W Garat, Pierre-jacques LiotierAbstract:Capillary wicking of Liquids in natural fibrous reinforcements is a significant phenomenon in fibre-reinforced Composites manufacturing through Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes. Such phenomenon is however difficult to analyse due to heterogeneous, multiscale and variable fibrous medium during flow. Taking into account the fibre swelling, a modified Washburn’s model is proposed to predict the capillary rise of Liquids in flax fibres. Particularly, swelling and wicking are studied at two different scales, i.e. elementary fibres and individual yarns. Swelling effects have been considered in the model and a modified Washburn’s theory has been developed. The proposed model satisfactory fits experimental results from capillary wicking tests, and hold for a 60% fibre volume fraction (Vf) of fabric on a relatively short duration while it fits well on a longer duration for lower Vf.
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Characterisation of woven flax fibres reinforcements: Effect of the shear on the in-plane permeability
Journal of Composite Materials, 2017Co-Authors: Pierre-jacques Liotier, Quentin Govignon, Elinor Swery, Sylvain Drapier, Simon BickertonAbstract:This paper describes a method to characterise the influence of in-plane shear on the permeability of fibrous preforms used in Liquid Composite Moulding processes. An optical method for measuring the local shear variation of the woven textile is presented and used in conjunction with an in-plane permeability measurement system. Two flax fibre fabrics were tested and compared with a woven glass fibre fabric of similar architecture. The system presented here can be used either as a validation tool for permeability prediction models or to compile semi-empirical permeability models for the use in Liquid Composite Moulding process simulation tools.
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Capillary effects on flax fibers - Modification and characterization of the wetting dynamics
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2015Co-Authors: Monica Francesca Pucci, Pierre-jacques Liotier, Sylvain DrapierAbstract:Introducing bio-based Composites has now become an opportunity of development for industry. Accordingly, Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes are increasingly used for manufacturing those Composites, mainly in the transportation industry, since they are considered as effective and low cost routes to manufacture bio-based Composites fitting high quality requirements, even for parts with complex shape. However observations of a large amount of voids in bio-based Composites call for an improved understanding of the local wetting phenomena that occur during impregnation of the natural reinforcements. The purpose of the present work is to study the influence of flax fiber surface chemistry on the local wetting dynamics. Flax reinforcements were submitted to a thermal treatment to modify the chemical composition of fiber surface. In order to analyze the fiber’s wetting behavior, some methods for measuring apparent static contact angles and surface energy were firstly validated on solids of defined geometry, and subsequently applied to untreated and treated flax fibers. The Owens–Wendt’s approach was used to determine both components of apparent surface energy, indicating polar and dispersive interactions in materials. Subsequently dynamic tests were carried out on both types of chopped flax fibers in order to evaluate apparent advancing dynamic contact angles. Considerations about morphological effects have also been included. Finally bio-based Composite plates reinforced with untreated and treated flax quasi-UD were simultaneously fabricated by LCM process, and observation of the porosities highlighted some benefits of using treated flax fibers.
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Permeability of sheared woven flax fibres reinforcements; permeability measurements of the orthotropic behaviour
2014Co-Authors: Pierre-jacques Liotier, Quentin Govignon, Elinor Swery, Sylvain Drapier, Simon BickertonAbstract:Introduction With the increased use of Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes in the aeronautical and automotive industries, the complexity of the parts and quality requirements have increased tremendously. The development of fabric forming models and the refinement of mould filling simulations, calls for improved material models to achieve the predictions expected by the industry. Accurate permeability data of reinforcing materials is essential in order to conduct LCM simulations and design the manufacturing process more efficiently [1]. Permeability is predominantly a function of the reinforcement architecture and its fibre volume fraction, both of which are affected by textile deformation when used to manufacture complex 3D parts. The push for more sustainable materials either biodegradable or fully recyclable has also pushed the Composite industry to look increasingly at bio-based reinforcements and resins. The bio-based reinforcement being formed from the assembly of short fibrils of variable geometry into continuous strands have very different forming and permeability properties than traditional Composite reinforcements formed by assembling continuous fibre with smooth geometry.
Piaras Kelly - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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optimal galerkin finite element methods for non isothermal Liquid Composite Moulding process simulations
International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2013Co-Authors: Abhishek Gupta, Piaras KellyAbstract:Abstract Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) describes a family of Composites manufacturing processes in which a Liquid thermosetting resin is injected, under pressure, into a reinforcing fibre bed. In these processes the mould containing the fibres is often preheated in order to facilitate the resin flow. Accurately modelling the thermal effects is crucial for designing an efficient manufacturing cycle. In this study, a selection of Galerkin Finite Element based transport algorithms, of both the non-monotone and monotone type, are used to simulate the convection-dominated resin flow through the porous medium. Their performances are verified against experimental test cases and their optimality is compared in terms of the prediction accuracy, computational efficiency and ease of implementation. Analytical solutions are derived for steady-state situations to validate the general numerical approach. An extension of the Mizukami–Hughes Petrov–Galerkin scheme is developed to deal with the unsteady conditions, and is found to perform very well.
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resin infusion Liquid Composite Moulding lcm of advanced fibre reinforced polymer frp
Advanced Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites for Structural Applications, 2013Co-Authors: Simon Bickerton, Quentin Govignon, Piaras KellyAbstract:Abstract: The term Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) encompasses a family of processes in which a dry fibrous reinforcement is impregnated by a Liquid resin inside a sealed cavity. As the understanding and control of these processes improve, their field of application widens. LCM processes can be used as a replacement to decrease the environmental impact and improve the quality of Composite parts made via traditional open-mould processes. they can also provide a cost-cutting alternative to prepreg techniques while maintaining a high part quality. This chapter describes the variety of processes blanketed under the class Liquid Composite Moulding and the research advances in the monitoring and simulation of these processes. the subsequent section presents the current usage of LCM techniques in the field of civil engineering, including some case studies, before outlining some future trends and offering sources for further information.
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simulating the effect of temperature elevation on clamping force requirements during rigid tool Liquid Composite Moulding processes
Composites Part A-applied Science and Manufacturing, 2012Co-Authors: Abhishek Gupta, Piaras Kelly, Simon Bickerton, W. WalbranAbstract:Abstract Moulds used for rigid-tool Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes, namely Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) and Compression RTM, are often subjected to large internal forces which originate due to resin injection and from the compaction of fibre reinforcements. Appropriate clamping equipment (e.g. press or perimeter clamps) is necessary to equilibrate these forces. An optimal selection (or design) of such clamping equipment calls for an accurate prediction of the tooling forces generated. This work aims to introduce a comprehensive numerical scheme which addresses this issue, including the case of non-isothermal mould filling. A hybrid Finite Element/Finite Difference (FE/FD) methodology is utilised for solving the coupled flow/energy/species equations. A new fibre compaction model, developed in order to reduce computational complexity while maintaining solution accuracy, is implemented into the simulation algorithm. The force predictions obtained for a planar axisymmetric part reveal that the chosen combination of mould and resin temperatures, together with other process variables, plays a crucial role in allowing fast fill times while keeping setup costs low.
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Evaluating the shear component of reinforcement compaction stress during Liquid Composite Moulding processes
Journal of Composite Materials, 2012Co-Authors: W. Walbran, Simon Bickerton, Piaras KellyAbstract:During the compression of fibrous preforms for complex part geometries, a shear component of the reinforcement compaction stress is present in addition to the normal component. Consideration of the shear stress is required when modelling the forces experienced by mould tools used for Liquid Composite Moulding processes, as they contribute significantly to the total clamping force required during reinforcement compression for high draw angle geometries. The friction coefficient between glass-fibre reinforcements and various mould surfaces has been evaluated. Processing parameters, such as mould closing speed, fibre volume fraction and number of layers of reinforcement, have little influence on the magnitude of the friction coefficient. The presented results validate the use of a simple friction model within Liquid Composite Moulding process simulations.
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Laminate thickness and resin pressure evolution during axisymmetric Liquid Composite Moulding with flexible tooling
Composites Part A-applied Science and Manufacturing, 2012Co-Authors: JF Timms, Simon Bickerton, Piaras KellyAbstract:This paper presents experimental observations from the filling and post-filling stages of 1D axisymmetric Resin Infusion (VARTM) and RTM Light. A series of experiments have been performed to investigate the influence of mould flexural stiffness and fill mode on fluid pressure, cavity thickness, filling stage time, and post-filling stage time. Observations are also made on the effect of those parameters on the repeatability of nominally identical experiments. This paper helps identify the circumstances where a RTM simulation would be sufficiently accurate for an RTM Light process, and consequently where a full flexible tooling simulation is necessary.
Sylvain Drapier - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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capillary wicking in bio based reinforcements undergoing swelling dual scale consideration of porous medium
Composites Part A-applied Science and Manufacturing, 2020Co-Authors: Monica Francesca Pucci, Sylvain Drapier, Stephane Corn, Le N Moigne, W Garat, Pierre-jacques LiotierAbstract:Capillary wicking of Liquids in natural fibrous reinforcements is a significant phenomenon in fibre-reinforced Composites manufacturing through Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes. Such phenomenon is however difficult to analyse due to heterogeneous, multiscale and variable fibrous medium during flow. Taking into account the fibre swelling, a modified Washburn’s model is proposed to predict the capillary rise of Liquids in flax fibres. Particularly, swelling and wicking are studied at two different scales, i.e. elementary fibres and individual yarns. Swelling effects have been considered in the model and a modified Washburn’s theory has been developed. The proposed model satisfactory fits experimental results from capillary wicking tests, and hold for a 60% fibre volume fraction (Vf) of fabric on a relatively short duration while it fits well on a longer duration for lower Vf.
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Characterisation of woven flax fibres reinforcements: Effect of the shear on the in-plane permeability
Journal of Composite Materials, 2017Co-Authors: Pierre-jacques Liotier, Quentin Govignon, Elinor Swery, Sylvain Drapier, Simon BickertonAbstract:This paper describes a method to characterise the influence of in-plane shear on the permeability of fibrous preforms used in Liquid Composite Moulding processes. An optical method for measuring the local shear variation of the woven textile is presented and used in conjunction with an in-plane permeability measurement system. Two flax fibre fabrics were tested and compared with a woven glass fibre fabric of similar architecture. The system presented here can be used either as a validation tool for permeability prediction models or to compile semi-empirical permeability models for the use in Liquid Composite Moulding process simulation tools.
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Capillary effects on flax fibers - Modification and characterization of the wetting dynamics
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2015Co-Authors: Monica Francesca Pucci, Pierre-jacques Liotier, Sylvain DrapierAbstract:Introducing bio-based Composites has now become an opportunity of development for industry. Accordingly, Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes are increasingly used for manufacturing those Composites, mainly in the transportation industry, since they are considered as effective and low cost routes to manufacture bio-based Composites fitting high quality requirements, even for parts with complex shape. However observations of a large amount of voids in bio-based Composites call for an improved understanding of the local wetting phenomena that occur during impregnation of the natural reinforcements. The purpose of the present work is to study the influence of flax fiber surface chemistry on the local wetting dynamics. Flax reinforcements were submitted to a thermal treatment to modify the chemical composition of fiber surface. In order to analyze the fiber’s wetting behavior, some methods for measuring apparent static contact angles and surface energy were firstly validated on solids of defined geometry, and subsequently applied to untreated and treated flax fibers. The Owens–Wendt’s approach was used to determine both components of apparent surface energy, indicating polar and dispersive interactions in materials. Subsequently dynamic tests were carried out on both types of chopped flax fibers in order to evaluate apparent advancing dynamic contact angles. Considerations about morphological effects have also been included. Finally bio-based Composite plates reinforced with untreated and treated flax quasi-UD were simultaneously fabricated by LCM process, and observation of the porosities highlighted some benefits of using treated flax fibers.
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Permeability of sheared woven flax fibres reinforcements; permeability measurements of the orthotropic behaviour
2014Co-Authors: Pierre-jacques Liotier, Quentin Govignon, Elinor Swery, Sylvain Drapier, Simon BickertonAbstract:Introduction With the increased use of Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes in the aeronautical and automotive industries, the complexity of the parts and quality requirements have increased tremendously. The development of fabric forming models and the refinement of mould filling simulations, calls for improved material models to achieve the predictions expected by the industry. Accurate permeability data of reinforcing materials is essential in order to conduct LCM simulations and design the manufacturing process more efficiently [1]. Permeability is predominantly a function of the reinforcement architecture and its fibre volume fraction, both of which are affected by textile deformation when used to manufacture complex 3D parts. The push for more sustainable materials either biodegradable or fully recyclable has also pushed the Composite industry to look increasingly at bio-based reinforcements and resins. The bio-based reinforcement being formed from the assembly of short fibrils of variable geometry into continuous strands have very different forming and permeability properties than traditional Composite reinforcements formed by assembling continuous fibre with smooth geometry.
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Permeability of sheared woven flax fibres reinforcements ; definition of parameters to model complex shape Composites part processing by LCM
2014Co-Authors: Pierre-jacques Liotier, Quentin Govignon, Elinor Swery, Sylvain Drapier, Simon BickertonAbstract:With the increased use of Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes in the aeronautical and automotive industries, the complexity of the parts and quality requirements have increased tremendously. The development of fabric forming models and the refinement of mould filling simulations, calls for improved material models to achieve the predictions expected by the industry. Accurate permeability data of reinforcing materials is essential in order to conduct LCM simulations and design the manufacturing process more efficiently [1]. Permeability is predominantly a function of the reinforcement architecture and its fibre volume fraction, both of which are affected by textile deformation when used to manufacture complex 3D parts. The push for more sustainable materials either biodegradable or fully recyclable has also pushed the Composite industry to look increasingly at bio-based reinforcements and resins. The bio-based reinforcement being formed from the assembly of short fibrils of variable geometry into continuous strands have very different forming and permeability properties than traditional Composite reinforcements formed by assembling continuous fibre with smooth geometry. This study compares the permeability characteristics of two different flax fibre fabrics with different tow size and a glass fibre fabric with an equivalent tow dimension. In order to gather information on the behaviour of such reinforcements during LCM manufacturing processes, the permeability behaviour of sheared textiles was determined. The fabrics were sheared before conducting the permeability tests, simulating the textile deformation that is present when preforming textiles in 3D moulds and the effects of these deformations on the textile properties were observed.
Monica Francesca Pucci - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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surface energy determination of fibres for Liquid Composite Moulding processes method to estimate equilibrium contact angles from static and quasi static data
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2021Co-Authors: William Garat, Quentin Govignon, Monica Francesca Pucci, Romain Leger, Florentin Berthet, Didier Perrin, Patrick Ienny, Pierre-jacques LiotierAbstract:Abstract Interest in eco-Composites incorporating elements from recycling is growing to reduce the carbon footprint of final products. Therefore, the characterisation surface properties of recycled fibres is of first importance. However, in order to maximise the service properties and facilitate their development, chemical surface treatments can be made in order to improve fibres compatibility with resins. For a better understanding of the behaviour of these new reinforcements during Liquid Composite Moulding processes (LCM), surface analysis and wetting properties are studied. However, this type of analysis, using the Owens and Wendt relation and based on tensiometric methods, requires special procedures, specifically for estimation of the contact angle. Based on two tensiometric methods, carbon and basalt fibres with different sizing are characterised in first approach, in order to be able to address recycled materials in further studies. The main contribution of this study is to evaluate the error in surface energy and its components determination associated to the measurement of an alleged equilibrium contact angle deriving from static or quasi-static data.
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capillary wicking in bio based reinforcements undergoing swelling dual scale consideration of porous medium
Composites Part A-applied Science and Manufacturing, 2020Co-Authors: Monica Francesca Pucci, Sylvain Drapier, Stephane Corn, Le N Moigne, W Garat, Pierre-jacques LiotierAbstract:Capillary wicking of Liquids in natural fibrous reinforcements is a significant phenomenon in fibre-reinforced Composites manufacturing through Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes. Such phenomenon is however difficult to analyse due to heterogeneous, multiscale and variable fibrous medium during flow. Taking into account the fibre swelling, a modified Washburn’s model is proposed to predict the capillary rise of Liquids in flax fibres. Particularly, swelling and wicking are studied at two different scales, i.e. elementary fibres and individual yarns. Swelling effects have been considered in the model and a modified Washburn’s theory has been developed. The proposed model satisfactory fits experimental results from capillary wicking tests, and hold for a 60% fibre volume fraction (Vf) of fabric on a relatively short duration while it fits well on a longer duration for lower Vf.
-
Capillary effects on flax fibers - Modification and characterization of the wetting dynamics
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2015Co-Authors: Monica Francesca Pucci, Pierre-jacques Liotier, Sylvain DrapierAbstract:Introducing bio-based Composites has now become an opportunity of development for industry. Accordingly, Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) processes are increasingly used for manufacturing those Composites, mainly in the transportation industry, since they are considered as effective and low cost routes to manufacture bio-based Composites fitting high quality requirements, even for parts with complex shape. However observations of a large amount of voids in bio-based Composites call for an improved understanding of the local wetting phenomena that occur during impregnation of the natural reinforcements. The purpose of the present work is to study the influence of flax fiber surface chemistry on the local wetting dynamics. Flax reinforcements were submitted to a thermal treatment to modify the chemical composition of fiber surface. In order to analyze the fiber’s wetting behavior, some methods for measuring apparent static contact angles and surface energy were firstly validated on solids of defined geometry, and subsequently applied to untreated and treated flax fibers. The Owens–Wendt’s approach was used to determine both components of apparent surface energy, indicating polar and dispersive interactions in materials. Subsequently dynamic tests were carried out on both types of chopped flax fibers in order to evaluate apparent advancing dynamic contact angles. Considerations about morphological effects have also been included. Finally bio-based Composite plates reinforced with untreated and treated flax quasi-UD were simultaneously fabricated by LCM process, and observation of the porosities highlighted some benefits of using treated flax fibers.