Properties of Composite Materials Reinforced with Guadua Fibers: a Comparative Study/Propiedades de los materiales compuestos reforzados con fibras de guadua: un estudio comparativo

• Published in: Revista ingenierías (Medellín, Colombia) Vol. 21; no. 41; p. 1
• Main Authors: Cruz, Martha Lissette Sánchez, Rodríguez, Gil Capote, Quiazua, Juan Pablo Patiño
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidad de Medellin 01.07.2022
• ISSN: 1692-3324; 2248-4094
• DOI: 10.22395/rium.v21n41a4

A numerical model for predicting the effect of the modification of a fiber's surface on the mechanical properties of biocomposite panels made with bamboo fibers and vegetable resin was elaborated. For the study, the three surface treatments methods were mercerization, plasma, and ozone treatment. To analyze the influence of each treatment on the surface of the fibers, a study of their morphology, chemical composition, and crystallinity was carried out using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. A characterization of the physical properties of the fibers was carried out by determining the density and the absorption capacity. The influence of the treatment on the mechanical properties of the fibers was analyzed by determining their tensile strength. These results were used to determine the elastic properties of the plies that make up the biocomposite, applying the modified mixing rule for anisotropic materials. The numerical models were elaborated using a commercial finite element program, considering a linear analysis. The composite was conceived as a laminate made up of layers of fibers oriented in different directions. To validate the numerical results, panels were made using fibers treated according to established treatment methods and a vegetable resin. For the construction of the panels, a compression system at standard room temperature was used. The fibers were placed in six 1.13 mm-thick layers, reproducing the conditions established in the numerical model. The determination of the physical properties of the composite was based on the determination of the density, the absorption capacity, and the percentage of swelling. The determination of the mechanical properties focused on obtaining the maximum strength for tensile, compression, and static bending. The results show that it is possible to improve the mechanical performance of the composite when the surface of the fibers that act as reinforcement is modified. According to the results, panels made with fibers treated with plasma and with ozone exhibited better mechanical performance, showing a good correlation between the results of the numerical models and the values obtained experimentally.