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ABSTRACT
Currently, there is a growing concern for the environment. Several studies of new materials to reduce environmental impact have been carried out by different research groups, and many companies have replaced parts made of fossil sources by renewable materials. The use of polyurethane (PU) derived from castor oil as a matrix for composite materials and adhesives is one example. Hence, the present work aims to compare the numerical and experimental analyses of castor oil PU and epoxy resin not only as a matrix of composite materials, but also as an adhesive of bonded joints. The joint coupons were manufactured by using castor oil PU-glass fibre and epoxy-glass fibre as adherents, which were bonded by epoxy or castor oil PU. Thus, four combinations of adherents and adhesives were investigated. Specimens with identical geometry were used in all tests, which were based on guidelines for single lap bonded joints. Computational simulations via Finite Element Method were performed for predictions of the adhesive layer stresses and strength. In addition, a material model is proposed to predict the failure of the adhesive layer. The experimental and numerical results showed that PU derived from castor oil has good mechanical performance, making this material a feasible alternative for bonded joints, mostly nowadays when environment is a major concern.
Funding
The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Sao Paulo State Research Foundation (FAPESP process number: 2012/01047-8, 2015/13844-8 and 2015/15221-8), as well as Coordination for the Improvement of the Higher Level Personnel (CAPES process number: 011214/2013-09). The authors are also thankful to Poliquil Araraquara Polímeros Químicos Ltda for kindly providing the castor oil PU.