Banana and abaca reinforced polyethylene composites microtensile video tests

Abstract

This research focus on the characterization of banana and abaca reinforced composites obtained by rotomoulding. These composites were characterized by mechanical tests (tensile, flexural, impact and DMA), DSC and optical microscopy. This paper shows the results obtained when testing these composites with a microtensile tester, observing the failures method. Differences between both types of fiber have be en observed, showing different compatibility of these fibers with the polymeric matrix; chemical treatments also influence the behavior observed at failure. Banana and treated abaca fibers break in the PE matrix, while pull -out effect was observed for abaca fiber.