Characterization of Mechanical Properties of Mocora Palm Fiber for Structural Applications

Industries such as textiles, construction, packaging, automotive and aviation have taken advantage of the mechanical and environmental characteristics provided by natural fibers. In this sense, the mechanical characterization of the mocora fiber and its compatibility as a composite material has been explored, considering that this endemic fiber of Ecuador has structural applications in an artisanal way. In this regard, this research seeks to characterize said fiber using scanning electron microscopy, by means of an acceleration voltage of 15 kV and 20 kV and magnification of 500x and 1.6Kx. Likewise, mechanical tests are carried out with ASTM-D 5034 standards for the braided fiber and ASTM D 2256-02 for the composite material using a universal testing machine. The thermal properties are determined by thermogravimetric analysis, developed using an initial temperature of 40 ℃ until reaching a limit temperature of 600 ℃ with a step of 15 ℃ per minute. Adhesion tests to unsaturated polyester resin are carried out using a resin solution with 20% styrene, 0.03% ethyl methyl ketone peroxide and 12% cobalt naphthalene. Through these methods, it was found that the fiber has a longitudinal distribution with agglomerated and tubular bodies without stress concentrators. Among the most notable characteristics is the percentage of elasticity, an important property in mechanical applications. Likewise, good resistance to degradation by high temperatures was found, although it also presented deficiencies in adequate adhesion to the resin. The characterization of this study allows us to demonstrate that mocora fiber has advantages over other structural fibers and is comparatively close to the performance of coconut fiber, which allows us to conclude that it has an important potential for application to the industry that seeks resistant materials, supporting the characterization of emerging Ecuadorian fibers for a competitive and economically circular industry.