Biomicrofibrilar composites of high density polyethylene reinforced with curaua fibers: Mechanical, interfacial and morphological properties

Author(s)

Araujo, J. R. ^[1] ; Mano, B. ^[1] ; Teixeira, G. M. ^[2] ; Spinace, M. A. S. ^[1] ; De Paoli, Marco-A. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Quim, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Megh Ind & Com Ltda, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; v. 70, n. 11, p. 1637-1644, OCT 15 2010.
• Web of Science Citations: 46

Abstract

Vegetal fibers are used in polymer composites to improve mechanical properties, substituting inorganic reinforcing agents produced by non renewable resources, like fiberglass. The highest performance formulation in high density polyethylene, HDPE, composites reinforced with curaua fibers were studied, aiming to improve the interphase interaction and optimize the mechanical properties. The fiber content, the type and the concentration of coupling agent were tested. The composites and the pure materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the fiber/matrix phase adhesion was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties and the micrographs showed that the best formulation is: 20 wt.% of milled curaua fibers and 2 wt.% poly(ethylene-g-maleic anhydride). The coupled composites are also less hygroscopic than the uncoupled composites. We conclude that the composites reinforced with curaua fibers have mechanical properties comparable to commercially produced composites of HDPE reinforced with fiberglass. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 04/15084-6 - Polymeric materials of low environmental impact
• Grantee: Marco-Aurelio de Paoli
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants