Copernicia Prunifera Leaf Fiber: A Promising New Reinforcement for Epoxy Composites

Abstract

A basic characterization of novel epoxy matrix composites incorporated with up to 40 vol% of processed leaf fibers from the Copernicia prunifera palm tree, known as carnauba fibers, was performed. The tensile properties for the composite reinforced with 40 vol% of carnauba fibers showed an increase (40%) in the tensile strength and (69%) for the elastic modulus. All composites presented superior elongation values in comparison to neat epoxy. Izod impact tests complemented by fibers/matrix interfacial strength evaluation by pullout test and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed for the first time a significant reinforcement effect (> 9 times) caused by the carnauba fiber to polymer matrix. Additional thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) showed the onset of thermal degradation for the composites (326 ~ 306 °C), which represents a better thermal stability than the plain carnauba fiber (267 °C) but slightly lower than that of the neat epoxy (342 °C). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) disclosed an endothermic peak at 63 °C for the neat epoxy associated with the glass transition temperature (Tg). DSC endothermic peaks for the composites, between 73 to 103 °C, and for the plain carnauba fibers, 107 °C, are attributed to moisture release. Dynamic mechanical analysis confirms Tg of 64 °C for the neat epoxy and slightly higher composite values (82–84 °C) due to the carnauba fiber interference with the epoxy macromolecular chain mobility. Both by its higher impact resistance and thermal behavior, the novel carnauba fibers epoxy composites might be considered a viable substitute for commonly used glass fiber composites.

Physical and Mechanical Characterization of Titica Vine (Heteropsis flexuosa) Incorporated Epoxy Matrix Composites

“…Finally, a third stage, with a mass loss of 12.04% up to 700 °C, is attributed to inorganic residues of the final degradation of the resin. Similar events for epoxy resin were reported by Junio et al [ 52 ] and Silva et al [ 54 ].…”

“…The DSC curve for untreated and treated TVF, shown in Figure 7 b, initially presents endothermic peaks between 70–80 °C that refer to moisture loss and TVF T g . The T g found for TVF in this work was very similar to natural fibers previously studied, such as carnauba (107 °C) [ 52 ], caranan (64 °C) [ 66 ], PALF (75 °C) [ 72 ] and jute (61 °C) [ 73 ]. Although these events are slightly different from those approached by TG, they fall within the same temperature range.…”

“…The second stage begins around 311 °C, with a maximum loss at 356 °C extending to 451 °C. This mass loss represents about 67.38% and may be associated with depolymerization and degradation of epoxy polymeric chains [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Finally, a third stage, with a mass loss of 12.04% up to 700 °C, is attributed to inorganic residues of the final degradation of the resin.…”

Impact Resistance of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Amazon Guaruman Fiber: A Brief Report

“… Variation of Izod absorbed impact energy with the volume fraction of guaruman fiber in the epoxy matrix composites. Neat epoxy value obtained from [ 26 ]. …”

Analysis of Mechanical and Wettability Properties of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

“…It was found that the reduction in tensile properties and improvement in modulus, when compared to the neat resin composites and date palm fiber composites, show advanced thermal and morphological properties. Junio et al [28] worked on Copernicia prunifera leaf fiber epoxy composites. The results showed a 40% increase in tensile properties and a 69% increase of the elastic modulus, when compared to the neat epoxy resin composites.…”