Evaluation of different processing methods of natural fiber composites using starch as a natural coupling agent

• Grant number: 18/21831-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Duration: February 23, 2019 - March 16, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Grantee: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Visiting researcher: Marek Szostak
• Visiting researcher institution: Poznan University of Technology (PUT), Poland
• Host Institution: Centro de Engenharia, Modelagem e Ciências Sociais Aplicadas (CECS). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The growing use of polymer materials from the last century has led to the emergence of environmental severe impacts such as the accumulation of post-use products. Natural fiber composites enter as an alternative when associated with ecological benign options as recycled or biodegradable polymer matrices. The composites produced may have higher application properties than the original polymers if they have a high interaction between the reinforcement and the matrix. However, the natural fibers and polymeric materials used for this purpose are incompatible. In this way, the modification process for the improvement of their interface has been the focus of research in several works in the literature. In this project, we propose the visit of Professor. Dr. Marek Szostak of Poznan University of Technology (Poland), who has great expertise in composites materials and their processing, to act as the collaborator, for the evaluation and the validation of the novel methodology of compatibilization at composites interface using starch gum as coupling agent developed by the Laboratory of Environmentally friendly polymers of UFABC. Prof. Marek is expected to make small adaptations in the methodology allowing the application in large-scale production of these composites for commercial use. This visit will also conclude the cooperation agreement between UFABC and Poznan University of technology, allowing the exchange of knowledge in research and education between institutions. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

ROCHA, DANIEL BELCHIOR; DE SOUZA, ALANA GABRIELI; SZOSTAK, MAREK; ROSA, DERVAL DOS SANTOS. Polylactic acid/Lignocellulosic residue composites compatibilized through a starch coating. Polymer Composites, v. 41, n. 8, MAY 2020. (18/21831-1, 18/25239-0, 18/11277-7)