Development of biocomposite materials reinforced with natural fibers Colombia

Abstract

Biocomposite materials are an environmentally viable alternative to conventional composite materials such as fiberglass and carbon fiber in the manufacture of components or equipment parts, where their function may or may not require high mechanical strength values or may fulfill aesthetic functions. These materials are made up of a polymer resin that forms part of the matrix and natural fibers that act as reinforcement, improving the mechanical and thermal properties of the resin without fiber. Research by different authors has demonstrated the efficiency of natural fibers in reducing the degradation times of polymer resin when it has completed its functional cycle and is subjected to environmental conditions and natural decomposition processes, thus reducing environmental pollution.

The first stage of the following research consists of evaluating and selecting the various types of natural fibers produced in Colombia that meet the technical specifications to serve as reinforcement for the manufacture of biocomposites. In this regard, consideration will be given to fibers that are processed by hand by farmers, as well as by various ethnic groups throughout our country, which would facilitate extraction, processing, and final finishing according to the required conditions. Subsequent After assessing the physical and chemical properties of the fibers, those most suitable for use as reinforcement will be determined. Once the optimal braiding of the selected fibers has been obtained, the manufacturing conditions for the biocomposite material will be determined following conventional procedures for obtaining composite materials. Once this stage is complete, the new material is subjected to mechanical tests to define its behavior under tensile and flexural stresses. Similarly, the thermal properties of the new biocomposite formulations will be examined by means of temperature scans using specialized Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetry (TGA) techniques. Once the values of the mechanical properties and thermal transitions are known, we proceed to perform a comparative analysis of their behavior with other materials with equivalent properties. This procedure is carried out using software known as Ces-Edupack, developed by Professor Michael F Ashby. Finally, with the results obtained, it is possible to determine the components that can be manufactured with these materials that have properties similar to those currently in use and to manufacture a prototype of a part used in the automotive industry with the developed biocomposite material.