The elongation at break of biocomposites with treated fibers
decreased as compared with MaterBi/UA composite. MaterBi/1ATA
and MaterBi/5ATA showed a decrease in elongation of 24% and 21%
respectively as compared with MaterBi/UAF composite at 15 wt%
loading of fiber. A smaller decrease was observed for biocomposites
reinforced with 20 and 25 wt% alkali treated Alfa fibers. This
dramatic drop of the elongation at break is associated to the stiffening
effect of treated and untreated Alfa fibers. In fact, the fibers
incorporation imparts rigidity and restrains the deformation on
the polymer that leads to an inevitable diminution in the degree
of the ductility of the matrix.