Tensile Strength Tests in Epoxy Composites with High Incorporation of Malva Fibers

Abstract

The natural fiber extracted from the leaves of malva plant, Urena lobata L., are currently among the most studied natural fibers, mostly because of its mechanical performance associated with high tensile strength and flexural strength. It is known that with the increase of fibers volume fraction the composite significant increases its tensile strength. This was obtained with amounts up to 30% in volume of malva. Thus the present work aims to study the influence of higher volumes of fiber on the tensile strength of specimens prepared under 5 tons of pressure. The fibers were previously washed and dried in an oven at 60oC, after that poured together with the epoxy resin and catalyst mixture in the metal molds bone-shaped, and pressured to ensure specimens quality. The tensile strength increased significantly with higher amounts of malva fiber incorporated in the epoxy matrix. This better performance can be directly related to the fracture obstacle imposed by the fibers as well as the type of cracks resulting from the fiber/matrix interaction.