Bending and tensile tests for mechanical characterization of polymer laminated composite with medium and high theoreti-cal volume fractions of ramie woven fabric intended to wind energy industry applications

A literature review about polymer composites reinforced with natural fibers reveals a growing academic interest in the topic over the past few years. This is due, in part, to the satisfactory mechanical properties that these multiphase materials have presented in mechanical tests. In addition, the necessity to use biodegradable and sustainable materials has increased recently. In this context, lignocellulosic fibers stand out as a dispersed phase in polymer composites, which providing good mechanical strength, are low-cost and widely available. Aiming to deal with two of nowadays greatest global challenges: reduction of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and the greater use of eco-friendly materials in the industry, this research has the objective to mechanically characterize epoxy matrix composites reinforced with ramie woven fabric fibers with medium and high theoretical volume fractions of fiber (40%, 50%, 60%) through bending and tensile tests, in order to provide data suitable for a prior structural analysis to evaluate the potential of application of these biocomposites in horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) towers. The statistical analyses carried out with the experimental measurements revealed promising mechanical properties for laminated polymer composites that did not undergo the ultraviolet and condensation aging process (intact specimens).