Development of continuous process for incorporation of vegetable fiber in thermoplastic matrixes

• Grant number: 02/02305-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: August 01, 2002
• End date: February 28, 2003
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Miguel Luís de Souza
• Grantee: Miguel Luís de Souza
• Company: Newtech Assessoria Consultoria e Prestação de Serviços S/C Ltda
• City: São Carlos

Abstract

The objective of this project is to develop a continuous process for the incorporation of vegetable fiber in thermoplastic matrixes. This innovation involves the development of two prototypes. The first for a multifilament extrusion head and the other for a granulator of composites with vegetable fibers (sisal fibers), also for multifilaments. These two prototypes are part of the development of an exploratory production line for the manufacture of composites with sisal fiber. The prototypes to be developed aim to define design conditions for the head and matrix, as well as flow conditions of the materials (rheology). It is expected that the production line will be optimized and the composites produced will be characterized regarding their physico-mechanical properties. The mechanical properties should be improved, once the incorporation time of the fiber into the thermoplastic matrix is fast enough, taking around one second. With this innovation, degradation of the fiber caused by the heat and by the shearing is minimized, appreciably improving the final properties of the composites obtained. The new production system for these composites permits the direct use of injection molding, giving the finished product the desired format. (AU)