Abstract

SUAREZ CASTANEDA, José Luis; RESTREPO MONTOYA, José William; QUINCHIA FIGUEROA, Adriana  and  QUINCHIA FIGUEROA, Adriana. Colombian vegetal fibers as a reinforcement in polymeric matrix composites. Tecnura [online]. 2017, vol.21, n.51, pp.57-66. ISSN 0123-921X.  https://doi.org/10.14483/udistrital.jour.tecnura.2017.1.a04.

Abstract Context: This research focuses on determining the surface composition of different plant fibers in order to evaluate their possible use as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites. For this, a search was made for several types of fibers, as well as an analysis of their morphology before and after alkaline treatment. Method: The search was carried out within the metropolitan area of the Aburrá Valley, Colombia. For the treatment of the fibers, we performed, in first place, an immersion in dissolved NaOH at 6% w/v for 48 hours; secondly, a neutralization in 1% v/v acetic acid for one hour; and thirdly, they were dried at 60°C for 24 hours. Additionally, the techniques used for the analyzes were Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results: Fique, Jute, Coconut husk, Flax and Cotton fiber fabrics were selected. FTIR analyzes show a trend towards the decrease of fatty acids, hemicellulose, lignins and β-bonds on the surface of the fibers, whereas SEM images show the removal of impurities, the exposure of roughness, and the creation of interfibral spaces. Conclusions: Alkaline treatment could favor both the anchoring mechanism of the thermosetting polymer to the surface of the fibers and the creation of bonds between the polar molecules of the fibers and the thermosetting polymer. This could reduce the relative slip between matrix and reinforcement during the application of loads.

Keywords : alkalization; polymeric composites; FTIR; physical properties; thermoset polymers; SEM; vegetal fabrics.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )