Resumen

VELASCO-PARRA, J. A.; RAMON-VALENCIA, B. A.  y  MORA-ESPINOSA, W. J.. Mechanical characterization of jute fiber-based biocomposite to manufacture automotive components. J. appl. res. technol [online]. 2021, vol.19, n.5, pp.472-491.  Epub 25-Mar-2022. ISSN 2448-6736.  https://doi.org/10.22201/icat.24486736e.2021.19.5.1220.

The use of synthetic fibers represents a huge negative impact on the environment. For this reason, the use of natural vegetable fibers as reinforcement of polymeric matrix composites has aroused great interest in the scientific community. In this study, the vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM) process was used to manufacture a polyester matrix composite, using jute biaxial fabric as reinforcement. Tensile and flexural tests were carried out under ASTM specifications in order to evaluate the effect of jute fibers on the unreinforced polyester mechanical properties. Subsequently, a finite element-based static analysis was performed in ANSYS software, to determine the mechanical behavior of an interior opening handle from a car door, based on the assignment of the manufactured biocomposite properties. A model sensitivity study was run to determine the mesh type influence and identify its convergence. Experimental results revealed woven jute fiber has a significant influence on the unreinforced polyester matrix mechanical properties. Obtained results in both destructive tests showed linear elastic type behavior for jute-polyester biocomposite, due to the nature of the matrix. However, fibers provide an increase in strength, stiffness, and elongation. In addition, better performance under flexural stresses was evident for jute-polyester biocomposite, in comparison with performance under tensile stresses, with a flexural strength of 107.42 MPa, and flexural modulus of 1.54 GPa. On the other hand, finite element analysis results showed good performance for jute-polyester biocomposite under operating conditions of the opening handle, with outstanding safety factor under flexural stresses. Finally, a real scale model of the piece made with jute-polyester biocomposite was manufactured. It is worth pointing out this biocomposite is a promising material and may be viable for automotive sector parts manufacture.

Palabras llave : Automotive component; biocomposite; natural fibers; vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding (VART); finite element method (FEM); model sensitivity study.

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