Evaluation of the density, mechanical, thermal and chemical properties of babassu fibers (Attalea speciosa.) for potential composite reinforcement

Abstract

The properties of babassu (Attalea speciosa.) fiber was for the first time investigated for potential engineering application such as reinforcement for matrix composites. The diameter distribution of babassu fibers was analyzed and found to be associated with significant variation in fiber density and mechanical properties. Additionally, thermogravimetric and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) analyses were performed. The studied Weibull statistical method was used to analyze the acquired data. The surface morphology of the fibers was studied by scanning electron microscopy. From the diameter ranges, it was possible to confirm that the thinner fibers have higher values of density and mechanical properties, which was attributed to their lower presence of defects. The diameter range was found between of 0.18 and 0.47 mm, and the corresponding densities were 0.79 and 0.27 g/cm³ respectively. Furthermore, the maximum tensile strength found was 100.76 MPa with an elastic modulus of 6.33 GPa and an elongation of 2.98%. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed a three-step mass loss, the main one being the second where the fiber loses 69% of the mass at a temperature of 382 °C. The FTIR analysis showed a similarity with the bands generally found in the literature for natural lignocellulosic fibers.