Abstract

Abstract

This work is oriented towards the search of new materials friendly to the environment, for this the mechanical and thermal characterization of the natural fiber of Cumare (Astrocaryum chambira) was carried out by tensile and TGA tests, respectively. Subsequently, the biocomposite material was fabricated, using an artisan fabric made by the Tukano ethnic group of the Colombian Amazon, impregnated with bioepoxy resin using of the vacuum assisted resin transfer method (VARTM), obtaining in this way, specimens that were characterized by standards. The maximum tensile and flexural stress values ​​of the cumare / bioepoxy biocomposite were compared with other composite systems with natural fiber, yielding values ​​very similar to or higher than those reported by other authors. The values ​​obtained in the validated the simulation for an industrial application of an interior opening handle for the door in a vehicle using finite elements. As a significant contribution in the present investigation, the cumare Colombian fiber is presented as an ecological alternative of low cost for the reinforcement of materials bicompuestos with industrial applications in the automotive sector.

Abstract

The lignocellulosic materials can be employed in the manufacturing of materials compound by a polymeric matrix due to its characteristics and peculiarities. Especially, to come from a natural sustainable resource, abundant and local character, with a low environmental impact and also low cost. In the present it is possible to find in the market industrial solutions, however, usually these materials come of byproducts generated in wood transformation industry and that enter in competence with other industry process like wood board manufacturing.

Nevertheless, these materials can also be obtained from the valorisation of different residues generated in local agroforestry crops, which besides it have a low level of exploitation. They are evaluated to the Galicia Euroregion North Portugal, the different natural sources of these materials and its analysed the availability that exists and the technology available to its collection.

They are analysed too, the different phases and processes required to do the preparation of these materials to its use in injection, extrusion and rotomolding composites and, especially, in relation to material moisture content and its morphological characteristics.

In most of the cases, these residues present difficulties to be valorised so that, in many cases it is resorted to its direct burning, generating environmental problems.

Even though, the most part of these materials are susceptibles too to be energy valorised, it is possible to combine in the same industrial process the combined production of natural fibres and material to energy production. 

Abstract

Laminates are composite materials of thermoset matrix reinforced with long fibers. Natural fibers are a low-cost renewable resource, have a low density (which gives them a high specific resistance), are not irritating or toxic, have no abrasive effects such as glass fibers, and are completely biodegradable. However, natural fibers have certain disadvantages with respect to synthetic fibers, such as their low decomposition temperature and their high hydrophilicity. There are numerous lamination manufacturing techniques: infusion, resin transfer and autoclave. The autoclave provides an improvement in the mechanical properties of the laminates due to the control of the manufacturing parameters. However, this technique is very expensive, so not all industrial sectors can access it. Knowing the mechanical performance of biolaminates prepared from different manufacturing techniques will open a window of alternate possibilities to the use of an autoclave, which includes the development of nanoreinforced biolaminates.