Mechanical characterization of polyester resin composite with natural fibers

In this paper, composite materials reinforced with natural fibers were studied, such as: Jute (MC-RY) and Manta (MC-RM) as a proposal for new materials for the manufacture of a prototype for automotive defense. The materials were manufactured as laminates and characterized mechanically through stress, bending, impact and Brinell hardness index tests. The results indicated that both reinforcers improved the mechanical strength of the matrix by up to 71%, as well as the impact energy absorption by 14%. The mechanical properties for MC-RY determined in flexure (bending = 56 MPa, Eflection = 4.16 GPa and maximum = 14 mm) were used to perform an impact simulation in two different models created in SolidWork, the results indicated that the MC-RY could be used for the construction of the defense using 3 layers of this material.