Characterization of Mocora Fiber

Due to the biodiversity of Ecuador, natural fibers would be a great contribution to the manufacture of mechanical parts as composite materials, but they have not been characterized. With the Mocora fiber we started its characterization, taking measurements, thermogravimetric analysis, industrial inspection microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, determination of moisture absorption, determination of its physical properties by ASTM standards and observation of the reaction of the fiber to the resin. In order to generate the composite material, the volume fraction and orientation of the fiber are defined, thus, by means of ASTM standards, the specimens and mechanical tests are carried out, taking advantage of the destructive tests, an analysis of inspection microscopy at breakage is performed. With the results obtained it can be observed that the natural fiber has different sizes and different thicknesses in several zones, has a marked 90º orientation, an average humidity absorption of 61%, has a good thermal resistance, low tensile strength, high elasticity when braided.