In this paper, we present the experimental and numerical modelling for the mechanical behaviour of woven composites reinforced with fique (furcraeaselloa) fibre, for different fique fibre woven configurations embed in an R744 epoxy matrix. The woven configurations are taken from commercial models and their mechanical properties validated by experimental data. We perform experimental tests using ASTM D3039 for the tensile response. We obtain values for Young’s modulus, ultimate strength, and deformation of unidirectional and woven reinforced composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used for the fractographic analysis of the reinforced specimens. For the numerical model of the woven composite, we use the Texgen software to define the finite element voxel model and to estimate orthotropic mechanical parameters. Then, we determine the equivalent elastic properties of the composite, according to the materials and the fibre-matrix relations. We compare and validate the numerical results with the experimental data. We obtain stress and strain fields for the yarns and the matrix. The objective of this work is to establish a baseline of the mechanical behaviour of these natural reinforced composites to propose applications for structural engineering.

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The fiber density per cross section of the Bamboo Guadua Angustifolia Kunth (GAK) was calculated by digital images processing. Three processes were done in the development of this work: preparation of the samples, digital pre-processing of the images acquired, and digital processing of the images acquired. For the preparation of the samples, the polishing with different abrasive papers and wool were done, and afterwards, it was added revealing ink on surface to make better the contrast between the fiber zones. The digital pre-processing of the images was based on the acquisition of sequences of images, doing a sweeping of the samples using an automatic plate. The digital processing consisted in the generation of panoramas with sequences of images acquired from the sample. The cross section fiber density was obtained by the calculus of the reason between digital measurement of the total area of the fibers and the total area of the sample. Finally, the values obtained for the fiber density were: 0.34, 0.41 and 0.43 for bottom, middle and top part of the culm respectively.

By means of ultrasonic and cationic treatment, the surface of the fiber was adapted to maximize the support of the nanocomposite rGO@TiO2; which had a previous preparation and subsequent anchoring to the fibers by chemical reduction in times of immersion. The fibers were subjected to characterization by FTIR spectroscopy, while in the nanomaterial obtained was verified the deposition of the nanocomposite by means of scanning electron microscopy SEM, as well as the change in the value of the bandgap for TiO2 by UV-spectroscopy. In order to evaluate the photo-degradative activity of the rGO@TiO2 / Fique catalyst, we used Methylene Blue (MB). The experiments were carried out using sunlight that allowed obtain a degradation efficiency of approximately 99 % in two hours.