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

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