Numerical and experimental analysis of composites reinforced by curauá and jute fibers

Recently, there has been a rapid growth in research and innovation in the natural fiber composite area. Interest is warranted due to the advantages of these materials compared to synthetic fiber composites, including low environmental impact, renewable resources, low cost which attract wide range of applications. The use of lignocellulosic fibers for reinforcing polymers represents an alternative in the replacement of synthetic fibers in composites. Curauá is a legitimately Brazilian plant, easy to grow and process, which produces fibers with excellent mechanical performance. In this work a computational and experimental analysis is carried out with the objective of comparing curauá fibers and jute ones used in epoxy resin matrix composites for use in industry using the Finite Element Method (FEM), tensile tests and three-point bending tests in sandwich composites, with honeycomb made with 3D printer. As a result of the work, a higher strength was obtained in the composites made with curauá fiber than in the one made with jute fibers, both in the results obtained by the FEM and in the experimental tensile tests. In both types of analysis, an increase in the tensile strength of the compound was observed with the increase in the amount of the fibers for both types of composites. The results obtained show a good agreement between the FEM and the experimental tests. Furthermore, the results of the present study were compared with the who’s obtained previously mentioned in the open literatur