Methods to assess accurate mechanical properties of natural fibers as reinforcement for composite materials
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22517/23447214.26056Keywords:
fique fiber, mechanical properties, natural fiber, natural fiber composites, physical properties, Weibull distribution.Abstract
In some cases, the use of natural fibers as reinforcement in composite materials has not been fully optimized due to the lack of rigorous methodologies for determining their physical and mechanical properties. Often, the protocols employed are not sufficiently standardized or fail to incorporate appropriate correction processes that account for the inherent variability and nature of these materials. This research highlights the importance of adopting precise and validated methods to ensure accurate evaluation of natural fiber properties. The fiber density was measured using helium gas pycnometry. Moreover, the fiber’s modulus was determined through an extrapolation technique, from individual fiber tensile test at four span lengths, providing a more accurate assessment of its mechanical behavior. Additionally, a two-parameter Weibull statistical distribution was applied to analyze the tensile strength and its variability, offering a comprehensive understanding of the fiber’s performance under stress. These methodologies were validated through a case study on fique fibers, demonstrating their reliability in accurately determining the mechanical properties of natural fibers. The outcomes revealed that fique fibers exhibit linear-elastic behavior up to failure, with a mean tensile strength of 506.7 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 24.9 GPa. These results significantly exceed previously published values, highlighting the true potential of these fibers as reinforcing material.
Downloads
References
T. Väisänen, O. Das, and L. Tomppo, ‘A review on new bio-based constituents for natural fiber-polymer composites’, J. Clean. Prod., vol. 149, pp. 582–596, Apr. 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.02.132.
S. Palanisamy, K. Vijayananth, T. M. Murugesan, M. Palaniappan, and C. Santulli, ‘The prospects of natural fiber composites: A brief review’, International Journal of Lightweight Materials and Manufacture, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 496–506, Jul. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.ijlmm.2024.01.003.
Z. Zhang et al., ‘High performances of plant fiber reinforced composites—A new insight from hierarchical microstructures’, Jul. 07, 2020, Elsevier Ltd. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2020.108151.
S. Vigneshwaran et al., ‘Recent advancement in the natural fiber polymer composites: A comprehensive review’, Dec. 20, 2020, Elsevier Ltd. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124109.
O. Martinez, S. Aidé, R. Narro, F. Soriano, and A. Castañeda, ‘Polímeros reforzados con fibras naturales para su aplicación en la industria automotriz’, Afinidad, vol. 79, no. 595, pp. 237–47, 2022, doi: 2339-9686.
S. V Joshi, L. T. Drzal, A. K. Mohanty, and S. Arora, ‘Are natural fiber composites environmentally superior to glass fiber reinforced composites?’, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf., vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 371–376, 2004, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2003.09.016.
L. Mohammed, M. N. M. Ansari, G. Pua, M. Jawaid, and M. S. Islam, ‘A Review on Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite and Its Applications’, Int. J. Polym. Sci., vol. 2015, no. 1, p. 243947, Jan. 2015, doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/243947.
T. E. S. de Lima, A. R. G. de Azevedo, M. T. Marvila, V. S. Candido, R. Fediuk, and S. N. Monteiro, ‘Potential of Using Amazon Natural Fibers to Reinforce Cementitious Composites: A Review’, Polymers (Basel)., vol. 14, no. 3, 2022, doi: 10.3390/polym14030647.
L. Osorio, E. Trujillo, A. W. Van Vuure, and I. Verpoest, ‘Morphological aspects and mechanical properties of single bamboo fibers and flexural characterization of bamboo/ epoxy composites’, Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, vol. 30, no. 5, pp. 396–408, Mar. 2011, doi: 10.1177/0731684410397683.
L. Osorio and E. Trujillo, ‘Bamboo fibre composites’, Master Thesis, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, 2007.
S. Parbin, N. K. Waghmare, S. K. Singh, and S. Khan, ‘Mechanical properties of natural fiber reinforced epoxy composites: A review’, in Procedia Computer Science, Elsevier B.V., 2019, pp. 375–379. doi: 10.1016/j.procs.2019.05.003.
K. L. Pickering and T. M. Le, ‘High performance aligned short natural fibre - Epoxy composites’, Compos. B Eng., vol. 85, pp. 123–129, Feb. 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2015.09.046.
M. R. Sanjay, P. Madhu, M. Jawaid, P. Senthamaraikannan, S. Senthil, and S. Pradeep, ‘Characterization and properties of natural fiber polymer composites: A comprehensive review’, Jan. 20, 2018, Elsevier Ltd. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.10.101.
L. Rendón-Castrillón, M. Ramírez-Carmona, C. Ocampo-López, V. Pinedo-Rangel, O. Muñoz-Blandón, and E. Trujillo-Aramburo, ‘The Industrial Potential of Fique Cultivated in Colombia’, Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 1, 2023, doi: 10.3390/su15010695.
C. A. Juárez Alvarado, P. Rodríguez López, R. Rivera Villarreal, and V. Roth, ‘Uso de fibras naturales de lechugilla como refuerzo en concreto’, Ingenierías, vol. VII, no. 22, 2004.
K. Joseph, S. Thomas, and C. Pavithran, ‘Effect of chemical treatment on the tensile properties of short sisal fibre-reinforced polyethylene composites’, Polymer (Guildf)., vol. 37, no. 23, pp. 5139–5149, 1996, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/0032-3861(96)00144-9.
Y. Li, Y.-W. Mai, and L. Ye, ‘Sisal fibre and its composites: a review of recent developments’, Compos. Sci. Technol., vol. 60, no. 11, pp. 2037–2055, 2000, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0266-3538(00)00101-9.
R. M. Kozlowski and M. Mackiewicz-Talarczyk, Handbook of Natural Fibres: Volume 1: Types, Properties and Factors Affecting Breeding and Cultivation, Second. Woodhead Publishing, 2020.
X. Li, L. G. Tabil, and S. Panigrahi, ‘Chemical Treatments of Natural Fiber for Use in Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites: A Review’, J. Polym. Environ., vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 25–33, 2007, doi: 10.1007/s10924-006-0042-3.
S. A. Gómez-Suarez and E. Córdoba-Tuta, ‘Composite materials reinforced with fique fibers – a review’, Revista UIS Ingenierías, vol. 21, no. 1, Jan. 2022, doi: 10.18273/revuin.v21n1-2022013.
CADEFIQUE and Cadena productiva nacional del fique, ‘Acuerdo sectorial de competitividad del fique 2010-2015’, Bogotá, 2012.
R. D. Echeverri, L. M. Franco, and M. R. González, ‘Fique en Colombia’, Medellín, 2015.
A. Montufar-Marcalla and A. Remache-Coyago, ‘Materiales compuestos de polí¬mero reforzado con fibra de cabuya y coco aplicado al sector automotriz’, Dominio De Las Ciencias, vol. 7, no. 3, 2024, doi: 10.23857/dc.v7i3.2002.
A. Remache, ‘Estudio de biocompuestos con refuerzo de fibra de pseudotallo/platano para creación de partes automotrices: Revisión’, Polo del Conocimiento, pp. 3–23, Jan. 2021, doi: 10.23857/pc.v6i6.2737.
E. Trujillo, M. Moesen, L. Osorio, A. W. Van Vuure, J. Ivens, and I. Verpoest, ‘Bamboo fibres for reinforcement in composite materials: Strength Weibull analysis’, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf., vol. 61, pp. 115–125, 2014, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2014.02.003.
S. Delvasto, E. F. Toro, F. Perdomo, and R. M. de Gutiérrez, ‘An appropriate vacuum technology for manufacture of corrugated fique fiber reinforced cementitious sheets’, Constr. Build. Mater., vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 187–192, 2010, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2009.01.010.
C. Gómez Hoyos, V. Alvarez, P. Gañán Rojo, and A. Vázquez, ‘Fique fibers: Enhancement of the tensile strength of alkali treated fibers during tensile load application’, Fibers and Polymers, vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 632–640, 2012, doi: 10.1007/s12221-012-0632-8.
O. Muñoz-Blandón, M. Ramírez-Carmona, L. Rendón-Castrillón, and C. Ocampo-López, ‘Exploring the Potential of Fique Fiber as a Natural Composite Material: A Comprehensive Characterization Study’, Polymers (Basel)., vol. 15, no. 12, 2023, doi: 10.3390/polym15122712.
T. S. Gomez, M. A. Navacerrada, C. Díaz, and P. Fernández-Morales, ‘Fique fibres as a sustainable material for thermoacoustic conditioning’, Applied Acoustics, vol. 164, p. 107240, 2020, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apacoust.2020.107240.
E. Trujillo, ‘Polymer composite materials based on bamboo fibres’, PhD.Thesis, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, 2014.
L. Osorio, ‘Microestructural analysis and mechanical behaviour of bamboo fibres and bamoo fibre composites’, PhD.Thesis, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, 2022.
I. , et al. Verpoest, Flax and Hemp fibres: a natural solution for the composite industry. Paris: JEC composites, 2012.
J. Andersons, E. Sparnins, E. Porike, and R. Joffe, ‘Strength distribution of elementary flax fibres due to mechanical defects’, in 11th Int. Inorganic-Bonded Fiber Composites, Madrid, Nov. 2008.
J. Andersons, E. Spārniņš, R. Joffe, and L. Wallström, ‘Strength distribution of elementary flax fibres’, Compos. Sci. Technol., vol. 65, no. 3, pp. 693–702, 2005, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2004.10.001.
L. L. da Costa, R. L. Loiola, and S. N. Monteiro, ‘Diameter dependence of tensile strength by Weibull analysis: Part I bamboo fiber’, Matéria (Rio de Janeiro), vol. 15, 2010.
Z. P. Xia, J. Y. Yu, L. D. Cheng, L. F. Liu, and W. M. Wang, ‘Study on the breaking strength of jute fibres using modified Weibull distribution’, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf., vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 54–59, 2009, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2008.10.001.
K. L. Pickering, G. W. Beckermann, S. N. Alam, and N. J. Foreman, ‘Optimising industrial hemp fibre for composites’, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf., vol. 38, no. 2, pp. 461–468, 2007, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2006.02.020.
N. Defoirdt et al., ‘Assessment of the tensile properties of coir, bamboo and jute fibre’, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf., vol. 41, no. 5, pp. 588–595, 2010, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2010.01.005.
J. Andersons, R. Joffe, M. Hojo, and S. Ochiai, ‘Glass fibre strength distribution determined by common experimental methods’, Compos. Sci. Technol., vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 131–145, 2002, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0266-3538(01)00182-8.
M. C. Andrade Teles, G. Rodrigues Altoé, P. Amoy Netto, H. Colorado, F. Muylaert Margem, and S. Neves Monteiro, ‘Fique Fiber Tensile Elastic Modulus Dependence with Diameter Using the Weibull Statistical Analysis’, Materials Research, vol. 18, 2015.
C. Gómez Hoyos and A. Vázquez, ‘Flexural properties loss of unidirectional epoxy/fique composites immersed in water and alkaline medium for construction application’, Compos. B Eng., vol. 43, no. 8, pp. 3120–3130, 2012, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2012.04.027.
O. Muñoz-Blandón, M. Ramírez-Carmona, L. Rendón-Castrillón, and C. Ocampo-López, ‘Exploring the Potential of Fique Fiber as a Natural Composite Material: A Comprehensive Characterization Study’, Polymers (Basel)., vol. 15, no. 12, 2023, doi: 10.3390/polym15122712.
A. K. Bledzki and J. Gassan, ‘Composites reinforced with cellulose based fibres’, Prog. Polym. Sci., vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 221–274, 1999, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0079-6700(98)00018-5.
A. Mohanty, M. Misra, and L. Drzal, Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites, 1st Edition. CRC Press, 2005.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 DIANA LORENA CARDONA MONTOYA, LINA ROCIO OSORIO SERNA, EFRAIN EDUARDO TRUJILLO DE LOS RIOS
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The undersigned authors declare that the article submitted to the journal Scientia et Technica is an original work and that all its content is free of third-party copyright restrictions or has the corresponding authorizations. Consequently, the authors assume responsibility for any litigation or claim related to intellectual property rights, releasing the Technological University of Pereira and the journal Scientia et Technica from any liability.
If the submitted work is accepted for publication, the authors retain copyright to the article and grant the journal Scientia et Technica the right of first publication, as well as a non-exclusive, perpetual license to reproduce, edit, distribute, display, and publicly communicate the article in any medium or format, including print, electronic, databases, repositories, the Internet, or other scientific dissemination systems. The authors agree that the article will be published in open access and distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0).
The journal Scientia will respect in all cases the moral rights of the authors, in accordance with the provisions of article 30 of Law 23 of 1982 of the Republic of Colombia, recognizing the authorship of the work, the right to integrity and the right of disclosure, which are inalienable and non-waivable.