Mechanical properties of composites reinforced with lignocellulosic fibers have been researched in recent decades. Jute and mallow fibers are reinforcement alternatives, as they can contribute to increase the mechanical strength of composite materials. The present work aims to predict the Young’s modulus with application of continuous and aligned lignocellulosic fibers to be applied as reinforcement in polyester matrix. Fibers were manually separated and then arranged and aligned in the polyester matrix. Composites with addition 5, 15, and 25 vol% jute and mallow fibers were produced by vacuum-assisted hand lay-up/vaccum-bagging procedure. Samples were tested in tensile and the tensile strength, elasticity modulus, and deformation were determined. Results showed that the intrinsic Young’s modulus of the fibers was set at values around 17.95 and 11.72 GPa for jute and mallow fibers, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that composites reinforced with 15 and 25 vol% jute and mallow presented the highest values of tensile strength and Young’s modulus. The incorporation of 25 vol% of jute and mallow fibers increased the matrix Young’s modulus by 534% and 353%, respectively, effectively stiffening the composite material. Prediction models presented similar values for the Young’s modulus, showing that jute and mallow fibers might be used as potential reinforcement of polymeric matrices
The Amazonian region of South America is known for its diversified number of plants from which food, medicine, wood and fibers have, since long time, been produced by local natives. A typical example is the guarumã ("guaruman"as suggested English spelling) scientifically identified as Ischinosiphon koem, an abundant plant found in the low lands alongside rivers of the state of Para in Brazil. Fibers extracted from the stem of the guaruman are used in ropes and baskets owing to their strength. In the present work, the possibility of applying guaruman fibers as reinforcement of polymer matrix composites is, for the first time, investigated. Amounts up to 30 vol% of continuous and aligned fibers were incorporates into epoxy matrix composites. Density measurements disclosed the guaruman to be one of the lightest natural fibers. Tensile tests indicate that the guaruman fiber addition was able to improve the composite elastic modulus. However, no significant change was found in the ultimate strength, total strain and resilience. On the other hand, a cost-effective analysis revealed a substantial reduction of ~29% in the epoxy composite price due to the incorporation of fibers. Preliminary ballistic evaluation disclosed a potential for application of guaruman epoxy composites in multilayered armor.
Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) have in recent decades appeared as sustainable reinforcement alternatives to replace synthetic fibers in polymer composite material applications. In this work, for the first time, the periquiteira (Cochlospermum orinocense), a lesser known NLF from the Amazon region, was analyzed for its density and, by X-ray diffraction (XRD), to calculate the crystallinity index as well as the microfibrillar angle (MFA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron analysis (SEM) and tensile strength. The apparent density found for the periquiteira fiber was 0.43 g/cm3, one of the NLF’s lowest. XRD analysis indicated a crystallinity index of 70.49% and MFA of 7.32°. The TGA disclosed thermal stability up to 250 °C. The FTIR analysis indicated the presence of functional groups characteristic of NLFs. The SEM morphological analysis revealed that the periquiteira fiber presents fine bundles of fibrils and a rough surface throughout its entire length. The average strength value of the periquiteira fiber was found as 178 MPa. These preliminary results indicate that the periquiteira fiber has the potential to be used as a reinforcing agent in polymeric matrices and can generate a lightweight composite with excellent mechanical properties that can be used in various industrial sectors.
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