Tensile behavior of lignocellulosic fiber reinforced polymer composites: Part I piassava/epoxy

D.C.O Nascimento,S.N Monteiro,F.P.D Lopes

doi:10.1590/s1517-70762010000200015

Abstract

The fibers extracted from the piassava palm tree, scientifically known as Attalea funifera, are among the stiffest lignocellulosic fibers being considered for polymer composite reinforcement. Characterization of piassava composites have been carried out for different polymeric matrices and mechanical tests. In this work the tensile properties of DGEBA/TETA epoxy matrix composites reinforced with up to 30% in volume of continuous and aligned piassava fibers were evaluated. Tensile specimens post-cured at 60ºC for 4 hours were room temperature tested and the corresponding fracture analyzed by scanning electrons microscopy. The results showed a decrease in both the tensile strength and the elastic modulus of the composites up to 30% with an increase at 40% of piassava fibers to values above those of the pure epoxy. The fracture analysis revealed a weak fiber/matrix interface, which could account for the comparative low performance of these composite in tensile tests up to 30% of volume fraction. The relatively large amount of stronger piassava fibers accounts for the better performance of the composite with 40% in volume fraction.

Highlights

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites are gaining considerable attention owing to environmental, economical, societal and technical advantages as compared with conventional synthetic, especially fiber glass, composites [1,2,3,4]
Since tensile constraints are important for the structural response of the material, the present work investigated the tensile properties of post-cured epoxy matrix composites reinforced with continuous and aligned piassava fibers
It should be noted that the incorporation of piassava fibers fail to reinforce the epoxy composites up to 30% of volume fraction

Summary

Introduction

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites are gaining considerable attention owing to environmental, economical, societal and technical advantages as compared with conventional synthetic, especially fiber glass, composites [1,2,3,4]. The mechanical behavior of polymer composites reinforced with continuous and aligned piassava fibers has been restricted to flexural and impact tests [1415]. These tests have shown that the incorporation of up to 40% in volume of fibers into both epoxy and polyester matrices increases the composite resistance. Since tensile constraints are important for the structural response of the material, the present work investigated the tensile properties of post-cured epoxy matrix composites reinforced with continuous and aligned piassava fibers

Methods

Results

Conclusion