Study of dynamic behavior of a composite laminated material manufactured of the bark of Lata's Palm “Bactris Guineensis”

The use of alternative lignocellulosic raw materials for development of new engineering composite materials is researched. The study is based on the Lata's palm “Bactris Guineensis” bark as the main constituent for glued laminated composite material manufacturing. Static mechanical properties as well as fatigue behaviors were studied, since in these types of loads a wide range of engineering dynamic applications can be envisaged. Tensile and hardness testing were performed for the characterization of static and mechanical properties. Additionally, fatigue testing was used to analyze the durability behavior of the composite materials obtained and the fracture surface was analyzed by SEM microscopy. Vickers hardness and tensile resistance at the exterior bark demonstrated that it is the hardest and most resistant zone with 27,5 Vickers and 354 MPa values respectively. During fatigue testing, the temporary life zone was obtained from the stress vs. number of cycles curve (S vs Nf). The Basquin's equation parameters were found (S=A·Nfb), with: A = 321 MPa. and b = −0,060. Finally, in order to evaluate the potential use of glued laminated Lata's Palm as a composite material constituent its mechanical characterization was performed.