Comparative tensile strength analysis between epoxy composites reinforced with curaua fiber and glass fiber

Currently, one of the major concerns in our society is related to environmental issues, which has motivated researches and materials development from renewable and environmentally friendly resources. This study aims to compare, the composite strength developed with natural fibers, with those with glass fiber, which has environmental impacts from manufacturing to disposal. Specimens were fabricated with 0% fiber, 30% curaua fiber and 30% glass fiber in epoxy matrix and tested in a tension. The results show higher tensile strength values for the samples containing glass fiber. However, by relating the composite strength with its fiber density, it was found that the epoxy composites with natural fibers showed better specific strength results than those with glass fiber. Therefore, from the point of view of mechanical strength, glass fiber can be replaced by curaua fiber, in epoxy composites. (C) 2018 Brazilian Metallurgical, Materials and Mining Association. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.