Evaluation of the Application of Micromechanical Models in the Estimation of the Modulus of Elasticity for Biocomposites Reinforced with Fique Fiber Braided Ropes

Abstract

This study focuses on the estimation of the longitudinal and transverse moduli of elasticity of biocomposites reinforced with fique fiber in braided-rope configuration and a natural rubber matrix, using semi-empirical micromechanical models. First, both the fique fiber rope and the natural rubber matrix were mechanically characterized. Using the obtained data, the micromechanical models of the Rule of Mixtures, Halpin-Tsai, Chamis, Hopkins & Chamis, Nielsen, Miravete, Jones, and Yung Fu were applied to calculate the corresponding moduli. Subsequently, biocomposites were manufactured with fique fibers oriented at 0° and 90°, with the fiber volume
fraction varied. The biocomposites were characterized to determine the longitudinal and transverse moduli. The comparison of results showed that Miravete´s and Yun Fu´s micromechanical models provided the best fits for these materials.