Context:

The concern for mitigating the environmental impact generated by the use of synthetic fibers as reinforcement of traditional composite materials has encouraged the design and characterization of alternative composites. However, despite their multiple advantages as construction materials, it is necessary to thoroughly determine the effect of design parameters on their mechanical performance.

Method:

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of design parameters (i.e., type of fibers and their superficial treatment) on the properties of biocomposite panels. To elaborate the composite, two types of fibers were used: Arundo donax L. (Caña Brava) and Guadua angustifolia Kunth (Guadua). Short, randomly distributed fibers and a polymer matrix of castor oil were used for manufacturing. To evaluate the influence of the treatment on the properties of the biocomposite, three conditions were considered: fibers without treatment, fibers treated with mercerization, and fibers treated with plasma. Their density in anhydrous state, effective absorption capacity, surface absorption, swelling percentage, breaking modulus, and apparent elastic modulus were experimentally determined. Based on the results, an analysis of the response surface was carried out through the implementation of a central compound design, using commercial software.

Results:

An analysis of the response surface was carried out. Pareto diagrams and contour graphs were obtained for each of the properties under study. Based on the statistical results, it was possible to establish equations that allow predicting the properties of the compound according to the type of fiber and the treatment applied on its surface.

Conclusions:

The results allowed verifying the effect of the type of fibers and their surface modification on the physical properties of compounds made with materials of plant origin. Other parameters such as orientation of the fibers, as well as variables associated with the manufacture process (pressure and compaction time), can influence the properties of the material, and will be evaluated in future works.

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