Enhancement of Static and Fatigue Strength of Short Sisal Fiber Biocomposites by Low Fraction Nanotubes

Abstract Thanks to good mechanical performances, high availability, low cost and weight, the agave sisalana fiber allows obtain biocomposites characterised by specific properties, potentially very attractive for replacement of synthetic materials in various industrial fields. Unfortunately, due strength versus transversal damage processes mainly related matrix brittleness and/or fiber/matrix adhesion, tensile performance random short are quite low, date most treatments proposed literature improve fiber-matrix have not led satisfactory results. In order overcome such a drawback, this work turn proposes proper introduction fractions carbon nanotubes activate advantageous improvements toughness as well bridging effects, that can both lead appreciable increments strength. Systematic experimental static fatigue tests performed on quality obtained an optimized compression molding process, shown 1% is sufficient gives significant improvement stiffness strength, respectively approximately 28% 30%. Furthermore, toughening biocomposite with results enhancement lifetime at least 3 orders magnitude. Biocomposites 2% CNTs show instead more limited 13% stiffness, 6% 150% lifetime. Also, thorough analysis SEM micrographs, main data, has allowed determine model be used predict biocomposites.