Elaboração e caracterização de compósitos de matriz derivada do cardanol reforçados com fibras de manicária saccifera (tururi)

Abstract

Nowadays, the search for lighter, more resistant and sustainable materials has stimulated the study and development of greener technologies that can efficiently replace petroleum derived materials. The development of these materials similar to synthetic, with the possibility of reuse of waste, along with natural resources, has helped in the development of high performance materials. In this context, the development of materials better than the conventional ones of petrochemical origin, stands out, among them composites, result of the interaction of a matrix and a reinforcing agent that are often not biodegradable. For this reason, the use of polymer matrices and natural fibers as reinforcement agents derived from biomass is increasingly increasing because they are renewable and abundant. The development of new materials using biomass residues comes attracting market interest, that is why, the present work proposes to develop new composites and to verify its thermo-mechanical properties. For such, a thermoset matrix was elaborated employing cardanol as an alternative to petroleum-derived phenols. This matrix was reinforced with tururi fiber (20% by mass), this reinforcement was used in its natural state and chemically treated (NaOH 2.5 and 5% m / v). The fibers used as reinforcing agent were characterized by: lignocellulosic analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dispersive energy spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and biodegradation in simulated soil. The techniques used to characterize cardanol were: Chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (CG-MS) and FTIR. The composites was used: Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), TGA, Universal Traction Test, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and biodegradation in simulated soil. The results revealed that the chemical treatment provided resulted in the delignification of the fibers, increased crystallinity and significant biodegradation of the reinforcement. The curing of the polymer matrix occurred at a temperature below the degradation of the reinforcing agent. The composites presented thermomechanical properties superior to the matrix and low biodegradation in simulated soil. All composites presented satisfactory mechanical properties compared to matrix and low biodegradation providing materials resistant to decomposing organisms without attacking the environment, since they are practically made up of biomass.