Abstract:
This study investigates the Charpy and Izod impact resistance of polyurethane matrix composites derived from castor oil, reinforced with Embira-Branca (Daphnopsis utilis) fiber using mass fractions of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% of Embira. The specific impact absorption energies and Charpy notch energies remained constant with increasing mass fractions of Embira. While the specific Izod impact resistance of the composites with 50%, 60%, and 90% reinforcement, due to no statistically significant differences in their means, was classified as group (a); similarly, the specific Izod impact resistance of the composites with 60%, 70%, and 80% reinforcement, also due to no statistically significant differences in their means, was classified as group (b), with the 60% reinforcement fraction common to both groups. However, the average specific Izod impact absorption energy of group (a) was found to be 40% higher than that of group (b). Additionally, group (a) exhibited an average specific notch absorption energy 27% higher than that of group (b), with fractions of 50% and 60% of Embira being common to both groups.