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Blackberry (Rubus Glaucus) Natural-Fiber Reinforced Polymeric Composites: An Overview of Mechanical Characteristics

Abstract:

The commonly known Andean blackberry or Mora de Castilla (Rubus glaucus) can be grown in the highlands of Latin America, from Mexico to Bolivia. However, the major productions are in rural areas of Colombia and Ecuador contributing a source of income to their population. For instance, the fruit crop is of economic importance for farmers in the Province of Tungurahua (Ecuador). This study is based on the composite material’s experiment of a polymeric matrix reinforced with blackberry green fiber. The proposed natural fiber is chosen for its vast planted area residues of 3,673 hectares that is being pruned and burned monthly, producing large amounts of CO2, hence polluting the environment. Unfortunately, there is no post usage application for production wastage. Why not use this fiber as a cars’ reinforcing material? Specimens were manufactured under ASTM D3039, ASTM D7268, ASTM D5628-10 standards for traction, bending and impact, respectively. It was determined from the statistical analysis that group 6 composed of: 70% polymeric matrix and 30% blackberry stem, presented better mechanical characteristics. This specimens’ group achieved a tensile strength = 18.62 MPa, flexural strength = 46.9 MPa and absorbed energy = 1.2156 J. Thus, not only the hypothesis in this investigation is accepted, but also the composite material meets the minimum mechanical properties required in the internal parts of the buses’ bodies.