Design e compósitos naturais: análise do uso de fibra de juta em carenagens de veículo de competição.

Abstract

The depletion of natural resources has contributed to the increase of environmental problems. In this context, composite materials can contribute to the reduction of the uncontrolled use of resources, since they can be used for long time, due to their great environmental resistance. Currently, natural fibershave been used to strengthen composites. Thus, this work aims to analyze the feasibility of using jute fibers as reinforcement in coverings of competition vehicle. The coverings were produced by Hand Lay process, in open mold. Results point out to the feasibility of use, as the process reduced the time of the whole production, increased the rigidity of the parts and their assembly and disassembly in the vehicle. Moreover, the production of the covering did not imply any skin irritation of the operators, indicating that in addition to the mechanical feasibility, the jute fibers collaborated with the wholesomeness of the process.