Failure analysis of discarded Agave tequilana fiber polymer composites

• Published in: Engineering failure analysis 2019-01, Vol.95, p.379-391
• Main Authors: Binoj, J.S., Bibin, J.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agave tequilana fiber; Failure analysis; Polymer matrix composite; Scanning electron microscopy; Thermo-mechanical properties
• ISSN: 1350-6307; 1873-1961
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2018.09.019

Natural fiber polymer composites are mostly preferred due to its specific properties, whereas at present deployment of leftovers from agro-industries plays a key role in polymer composite industries. Utilization of such waste from the industries diminishes deforestation and helps in the preservation of the environment. In this line, the present study imparts the discarded blue agave fiber (BAF) as a reinforcement in composite by examining its thermo-mechanical properties. Composite specimens were prepared for the uniform fiber length with variation in fiber and matrix content. Meanwhile, the investigated composites displayed better mechanical properties at high fiber content, whereas abrupt bend was occurred at 50 wt.% fiber content due to poor compatibility between the fiber and the matrix. Therefore the 40 wt.% fiber content was recognized as optimum weight percent and the high specific strength endorsed their potentiality in composite fabrication for locomotive and basic applications. Moreover, the reason for the failures of the fractured tensile and flexural tested specimen was examined using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). [Display omitted] •Recycling of waste from the industries into composites for engineering applications•Utilization of the composite materials reduces deforestation and preserves the environment.•Thermal stability and specific strength attracts auto and aero applications.•Failure analysis of the fractured specimens was examined using scanning electron microscopy.