Mechanical Evaluation of Vegetal Fibers Impregnated in Vacuum in the Cultivation of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The kinetics of loss of mechanical properties in fique and cotton fibers impregnated in vacuum were evaluated as substitution alternative to the polypropylene fiber in the vertical support of the pea crop. The results were compared with non-impregnated fique fibers, non-impregnated cotton and polypropylene. The impregnation of vegetable fibers was carried out at 0.2 bar at 15°C for 2 min under vacuum. The fibers studied were implemented in culture, evaluating weekly their mechanical properties for 13 weeks. The impregnated fique presented a lower mechanical loss rate compared to the fique without impregnation in tensile strength, total elongation at maximum force and Young’s modulus. The impregnated cotton had a lower mechanical loss rate compared to the non-impregnated cotton in Young’s modulus. The speeds of mechanical loss in the three properties evaluated in polypropylene are comparable with fique and impregnated cotton.