MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF SPONGE GOURD (LUFFA CYLINDRICA)–POLYESTER COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Abstract

The use of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) as reinforcement in resin matrix composite materials is evaluated. The morphology of the fibrous vascular system of Luffa's fruit is presented and the advantages of using this natural mat material are highlighted. The use of untreated Luffa does not increase the mechanical properties of the bare resin. Nevertheless, its incorporation produces a change on the fracture mode of the composites from an abrupt one to a controlled and safer one. This result and the values obtained from mechanical tests show that, without any surface treatment, Luffa already has a high potential use as a core material in hybrid composites.