Mechanical properties characterization of the Ichu fibers composites

In the recent years, natural fibers are gaining an outstanding position as a reinforcement material, due to diverse advantages like high specific properties, low cost and low environmental impact. On the other hand, according to the market studies, in the next years the offer of the natural fibers will be in deficit; therefore, exploration of new natural fibers from new resources can be an alternative to fill this gap. Along the Andean region there are diverse natural resources from which cellulosic fibers can be extracted, like the Stipa obtusa grass, also commonly known as Ichu. The main purpose of this research was to determine the mechanical properties of unidirectional composite laminates made from Ichu fibers mixed with polyester resin; tensile, compressive and shear properties were evaluated. Results show that the stiffness in the principal direction (E 1 ∼ 16 GPa) and the transverse direction (E 2 ∼ 4.7 GPa) are over the average values compared to the composites made from the commercial fibers; similar behavior was observed in its shear and compression characteristics. Strength shows values around σ 1 ∼ 118 MPa, σ 2 ∼ 13 MPa, τ 12 ∼ 46 MPa and τ 21 ∼ 18 MPa, which is similar to the values reported in the literature for the commercial natural fiber composites. Based on these results, the Ichu fiber has a great potential as a reinforcement in composites materials.