Curaua/Glass Hybrid Composite: The Effect of Water Aging on the Mechanical Properties

A hybrid composite associating natural fibers (curaua) and synthetic fibers (E-glass) was developed and investigated. The hybrid is destined for engineering applications as an alternative material to glass fiber composites, mainly in high moisture environments. Thus, an investigation was conducted to evaluate the degradation of the mechanical properties due to water absorption. The hybrid composite is formed of an orthophthalic polyester resin reinforced by layers of glass mats and continuous curaua fibers. Absorption tests were carried out and obtained the composite saturation curve for both distilled water and sea water conditions. A non-hybrid composite (just with curaua fiber), was also evaluated for comparison. The mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile and three-point-bend tests. After the mechanical tests, a fracture characteristics analysis of the tested specimens was carried out.