Composite design bioinspired by the mesocarp of Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa)

Autor(es)

Sonego, M. ; Sciuti, V. F. ; Vargas, R. ; Canto, R. B. ; Pessan, L. A.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS; v. 17, n. 4, p. 14-pg., 2022-07-01.

Resumo

The mesocarp of Bertholletia excelsa is a rich source of inspiration for strong, stiff and damage-tolerant composites. The bioinspired composites developed here are composed of an epoxy matrix with a 3D printed polylactic acid reinforced with 30% of carbon fiber (PLA-30CF) inspired in fibers, and syntactic foam inspired by sclereids. Monotonic and cyclic four-point bending tests and compact tension fracture toughness tests were carried out assisted by digital image correlation (DIC) to evaluate flexural properties, damage tolerance, and the R-curve of the composite. Its microstructure and fracture surface were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical performance of the bioinspired composite is promising: density of 1.0 g cm(-3), flexural apparent elastic modulus of 1.6 GPa, and flexural strength six times higher than the neat epoxy, i.e. 17 MPa. Although the PLA-30CF printed structure led to a rising R-curve, the syntactic foam needs optimization to have a synergistic effect. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 18/23081-0 - Análise dos mecanismos de fratura de refratários a temperatura ambiente e elevadas com o método da cunha e correlação de imagens
• Beneficiário: Rafael Vargas Maginador
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 18/02801-4 - Identificação de modelos de material para a simulação computacional da prensagem de pós
• Beneficiário: Rodrigo Bresciani Canto
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 15/25523-1 - Biomimetismo do ouriço da castanha-do-pará: estrutura e análise de falhas
• Beneficiário: Marilia Sonego
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado