Theoretical part of master's thesis is focused on chemical treatments of natural fibers and their use as reinforcement material in polymer composites. Flax fibers were treated with two different silane coupling agents to improve their adhesion with polymer matrix. Nature of treatment was studied by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Composites based on both treated and untreated flax fibers were prepared by pultrusion.technique. Mechanical properties and water absorption of prepared composites were evaluated.

This diploma thesis deals with evaluation of the conditions for laboratory testing of composite profiles with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP). Theoretical part describes the main material properties of FRP profiles and method of manufacturing by pultrusion. Experimental part evaluates imposition of the test samples in alkaline environment and their subsequent changes in physical properties. Next part contains evaluation of cuts FRP profiles by electron microscopy in combination with element analysis. The outcome of this work is the method of evaluation of accelerated durability FRP profiles.