Cumare palm natural fiber biocomposite (Astrocaryum chambira) and bioepoxy resin, industrial applications

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.

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