Resumen

HIDALGO, Miguel A; MUNOZ, Mario F  y  QUINTANA, Karen J. MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF POLYETHYLENE ALUMINUM COMPOSITE REINFORCED WITH CONTINUOUS AGRO FIQUE FIBERS. Rev. LatinAm. Metal. Mater. [online]. 2011, vol.31, n.2, pp.187-194. ISSN 0255-6952.

The study of physical-mechanical behavior of recycled LDPE/AL recovered from Tetra Pak packing post-consumer source reinforced with continuous Fique fibers arranged in only one direction is presented in this paper. The composites were obtained from different fiber percentages (10, 30, 50 % v/v) and according to a design methodology, tensile, flexural, impact, density and water absorbing tests were made. An increase of strength, tensile modulus and flexion properties was presented where the stiffness evolution of composite compared to untreated fiber incorporation into the matrix was observed, but the capacity of deformation of the material decreases considerably. More over, the composite's ability to absorb water is directly influenced by the hydrophilic Fique nature. Additionally, observations of the composite were made using SEM in order to observe the fiber adhesion to the matrix, and the composite’s homogeneity and porosity. An acceptable interfacial adhesion was identified with low fiber volume incorporation, and a deficient interfacial adhesion with high fiber volume incorporation, due to the presence of voids at the interface and lack of matrix in the fiber surface. The specimens were obtained from manufactured boards according to ASTM D4703 through the molding process in a hot press controlled by computer

Palabras clave : NFPCs; Composite; Fique fiber; LDPE/Al; continuous fibers; mechanical Behavior; Tetra Pak.