Comparative study of the mechanical and vibratory properties of a composite reinforced with fique fibers versus a composite with E-glass fibers

In the following research, the mechanical and dynamic vibratory properties between a fique fiber reinforced composite and a composite with E-glass fibers were compared. The materials were fabricated trough a vacuum infusion manufacturing technique using a bioepoxy resin. The mechanical properties were obtained by tensile tests according to the ASTM standards for each configuration. The results demonstrated higher values in stiffness and strength for the composite with E-glass fiber. Experimental modal analysis was used for the dynamic vibrational study, obtaining very similar behaviors for each material. The interface between the materials was studied by scanning electron microscopy, in which a low adhesion between the natural fiber and the resin was evidenced; affecting the mechanical and dynamic properties of the fique composite compared to the E-glass composite.