Microtensile video tester for observation of banana and abaca reinforced composites failure

Abstract

This research focus on the characterization of banana and abaca reinforced composites obtained by rotational molding process. These composites were fully characterized by means of DSC and mechanical tests (tensile, flexural, impact and DMA), as well as by optical microscopy. Tests presented in this paper aim to the observation of failures occurred in composites, in comparison with those observed in pure polyethylene. This equipment consists in a microtensile tester, equipped with an optical microscope, a camera and specific software for images capture. Tests have been carried out with test samples obtained from rotomoulded parts, at a rate of 1000 μm/min. Differences between both types of fiber have been observed, showing different compatibility of these fibers with the polymeric matrix; treated fiber also shows different failure process. Banana and treated abaca fibers break in the PE matrix, while pull-out effect was observed for abaca fiber.