Statistical analysis of notch toughness of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with fique fabric

Reinforcement of polymer matrices with natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) is today presenting great potential for the reduction of both product weight and cost in many industrial sectors as well as the advantage of being renewable and eco-friendly materials. For some industrial applications, especially in ballistic armor, the materials are expected to meet technical and mechanical requirements in terms of impact behavior, which motivate the present work. This work conducted a notch toughness assessment by Izod and Charpy impact tests of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with different volume fractions of fique fabric, up to 50 vol%. Statistical analyses indicated significant differences between composites with distinct amount of fique fabric. Failure mechanisms were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that composite reinforced with 40 vol% of fique fabric presented the best notch toughness performance. Composites with 15 and 30 vol% of fique fabric display predominantly brittle fracture associated with lower impact energies. With higher amount, 50 vol%, of fique fabric reinforcement both Izod and Charpy impact energy suffered a small decrease according to the Roger and Plumtree model.