Guaruman: a Natural Amazonian Fiber with Potential for Polymer Composite Reinforcement

Abstract

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.

Ballistic Performance of Guaruman Fiber Composites in Multilayered Armor System and as Single Target

“…Afterwards, the plate was unmolded and post-cured for one week at RT. Similar epoxy laminate plates reinforced with 30 vol% of continuous and aligned guaruman fibers [45] displayed significant tensile strength properties associated with good statistical repeatability, which supports the present investigation on ballistic performance.…”

Comparison of Young’s Modulus of Continuous and Aligned Lignocellulosic Jute and Mallow Fibers Reinforced Polyester Composites Determined Both Experimentally and from Theoretical Prediction Models

“…The fiber diameter was measured in a Carl Zeiss, model Stemi 508, camera AXIO-CAM 105 Color optical microscope (Carl Zeiss, Berlin, Germany) at 3 different positions along the axis of each fiber [ 4 ]. Fifty jute and mallow fibers average diameter were determined.…”

“…Natural lignocellulosic fibers polymer matrix composites have gained interest over the past few decades because of their availability, biodegradability, renewability, low density, low cost, high specific moduli, and environmentally friendly appeal [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Indeed, natural fiber-composite have been studied in past years to assess the possibility of their use in for non-structural and structural engineering applications [ 4 , 5 , 6 ] and knowing the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of composites contribute to their application in several areas of engineering [ 3 ]. Factors such as exposure to radiation, temperature variation, chemical treatment, as well as fiber size and shape can influence the mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical behavior of composites reinforced with lignocellulosic fibers [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

Impact Resistance of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Amazon Guaruman Fiber: A Brief Report

“…Recent studies disclosed the potential for composite reinforcement using a lesser known NLF: guaruman fiber [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. This fiber is extracted from the stem of a plant botanically named Ischinosiphon k örn , which is naturally grown mainly in the Amazon region [ 24 ].…”

“…This fiber is extracted from the stem of a plant botanically named Ischinosiphon k örn , which is naturally grown mainly in the Amazon region [ 24 ]. Preliminary morphological and mechanical characterization revealed a potential for composite reinforcement [ 21 , 22 ]. Indeed, ballistic results of epoxy plates with 30 vol% guaruman fibers [ 23 ] in cross-laid configuration display superior performance against both 7.62 mm and 0.22 caliber ammunition, compared to other armors—such as those made with epoxy composites reinforced with 30 vol% pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) [ 16 ] or 30 vol% sedge fibers [ 25 ].…”