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Natural fibers have being used on manufacturing of composite materials for car components. Between natural fibers, sisal and piassava deserve special attention. These components can be exposed to many environmental conditions, for example humid and saline environments, present in littoral regions of coastal countries. This study aims to evaluate the effects of salt water on the properties of a polyester matrix composite material reinforced with piassava natural fibers; and for this, using cheap and easily accessible materials and equipment. The polymeric matrix used was terephthalic unsaturated polyester resin, the curing agent was MK (Butanox M-50), in proportion of 0.33% (v/v). The fiber used was piassava, obtained at the popular trade center in the city of Belém-PA, the fibers were acquired in natural environmental conditions and without treatments. These materials were used to create specimens in the ASTM D 638 M standard, which got under aging process in salt water.

This work has the purpose to study the effects of aging in natural water on a composite material of polyester matrix reinforced with sisal fibers. The specimens were produced by manual methods, not requiring high technologic devices or being costly. The polyester matrix used was terephthalic unsaturated polyester resin, whose curing agent was MK (Butanox M-50), in proportion of 0,33% (v/v). The sisal fiber used was obtained at a popular trade center in the city of Belém-PA, the fibers were acquired in natural environmental conditions and without treatments. These materials were used to create specimens in the ASTM D 638M standard, which got under aging process after lining. The water absorption was measured by weighing the specimens during the aging. The samples were submitted for a tensile test after the aging time, evaluating how the process changes the properties of the composite.