Evaluación del comportamiento mecánico de un material compuesto de matriz poliéster con fibra de cabello humano y su posible aplicación industrial

Abstract

In this investigation, was evaluated the mechanical behavior of a composite material of a polyester matrix reinforced with human hair fiber, so composite sheet were elaborated with different fiber sizes, orientations and volumetric fractions, later the laser cut was made and were obtained the specimens, the same ones that were tested under the requirements of ASTM 3039, ASTM 7264 and ASTM 5628 for traction, flexure and impact respectively, with the purpose of knowing the most suitable combination, which provides the best mechanical properties. Of the groups of test pieces made with 3 different volumetric fractions: 70% -30%, 80% -20% and 90% -10% of matrix and reinforcement respectively, the first group of test pieces constituted by a volumetric fraction of 70% of matrix and 30% reinforcement and with longitudinal fiber orientation at 0 °, stand out from the rest with a maximum tensile strength of 28,472 MPa, maximum resistance to bending of 66.24 MPa and 1,371 J of impact energy. According to the analysis carried out, the potential of the human hair fiber as a reinforcement in the composite material has been assessed and its possible application in the area of furniture and in the automotive industry.