Coupling effect of starch coated fibers for recycled polymer/wood composites

Author(s)

Rocha, Daniel Belchior ^[1] ; Rosa, Derval dos Santos ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Fed Univ ABC UFABC, Environmentally Friendly Polymer Lab, Ctr Engn Modeling & Appl Social Sci CECS, BR-09210180 Santo Andre - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING; v. 172, p. 1-8, SEP 1 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

In this work is proposed the use of starch gum (SG) as a coupling agent for polymer matrix composites (virgin and recycled) reinforce with wood flour. The coupling agent is prepared using an aqueous starch solution containing 3 and 5 %wt. forming a coating over the reinforcement, and compared with maleic anhydride grafted (MAPP), a usual coupling agent. The starch gum coating characterization indicates that 5%wt. presents more cohesive coating on the reinforcement. The mechanical properties of the composites also indicate that 5 %wt. produces higher properties than 3 %wt. The starch coupling agent presents a lower performance compared to MAPP for the virgin polymer; however, for the recycled polymer, it increases the elastic modulus in 37%, overcoming MAPP. Computational tomography indicates that the starch gum promotes compatible interaction at the interface with a low formation of empty spaces in the recycled polymer, indicating that it can be an exciting alternative to produce low-cost composites with eco-friendly solutions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/11277-7 - PBAT films with cellulose nanostructures treated with essential oils encapsulated for active packaging
• Grantee: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants