Mechanical Characterization of a Polymer/Natural Fibers/Bentonite Composite Material with Implementation of a Continuous Damage Model

A characterization of composite materials a polyester matrix reinforced with natural fibers Cuban henequen and organophilized bentonite was carried out, the experimental results which are used to formulate, implement, validate scalar damage model. The were added on weight basis 15, 20, 25% as reinforcing material, bentonite, in amounts 3, 5, 7% by weight, added. Samples containing only polymer showed best mechanical performance for fiber, increases 51% tensile strength 169% impact resistance. clay 5% 89% 83% resistance, samples fiber also prepared achieved 98% increase 219% strength. model deals an internal variable, corresponds together failure surface that allows identifying state material dependent stress, obtaining adequate correlation tests.