Caracterización mecánica a tensión de un material compuesto de fibra corta de guadua (Angustifolia kunth) y resina termoplástica (polietileno de baja densidad)

Abstract

This project shows the mechanical characterization of a polymer matrix composite material (Low Density Polyethylene - LDPE) reinforced with short guadua fiber (Angustifolia kunth). This project was based on the methods implemented by Hurtado in obtaining the guadua fiber, with the removal of lignin. Type I specimens were manufactured according to ASTM D 638 and the protocol recommended by the same standard was followed in the execution of the test.

In the design of experiments, LDPE was taken into account as the matrix, the seven treatments proposed by Hurtado for delignification of the short fiber from guadua as reinforcement, and three concentration values ​​by weight of the reinforcement in the matrix (10%, 20 % and 30%), generating 21 formulations; and the results were analyzed from a Tukey model.

With the tension test it was obtained that the formulation with the highest mechanical resistance was the one that had natural fiber without treatment at a concentration of 10%. Additionally, the SEM analysis showed that the distance at the interface was less than the other formulations, so there is a direct relationship between the mechanical resistance and the separation at the interface of the composite material. Finally, with the FTIR test, it was possible to show that the interaction between the fiber treated with 3% Sodium Hypochlorite, has a direct effect on the polymer, generating an increase in hemicellulose, due to the oxidation generated by the moisture contained in the fiber.