Characterization of Composites Based on natural and glass fibers obteined by vacuum infusion

EXEQUIEL S. RODRIGUEZ; ROBERTO PETRUCCI; DEBORA PUGLIA; JOSÉ KENNY; ANALÍA VÁZQUEZ

JOURNAL OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Sage Publications

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2005 vol. 39 p. 265 - 282

0021-9983

Mechanical properties of the composites based on different natural fibres and glass fibres using thermoset resins as matrix were evaluated.  Fabrication of the composites was done by means of vacuum infusion.  Flexural, tension and impact test were performed to the composites.  Ignition, thermal degradation and water absorption were determined.  Jute composite with unsaturated polyester resin as matrix showed the best results on flexural and tensile strength and the lowest impact energy, due to the strong interphase developed.  Flax composites show higher impact energy than the other natural fibre composites, because of the existence of effective energy dissipation mechanisms, like pull-out and axial splitting of the fibres.  SEM micrograph confirmed this fact.  None of the samples resisted the five second exposition to the flame on the ignition test.  All of them were completely consumed, and flax composites burnt the longest.