Obtenção e caracterização de um compósito de matriz polimérica com carga de palha de aço

Abstract

Composite materials arise from the need of finding desired properties for certain applications, such as better mechanical resistance, lighter materials, cost-effectiveness, recyclable material, etc. The difficulties of disposal, recycling or reuse are now environmental concerns and therefore subject matter of much research. In this perspective we studied the feasibility of using steel wool for obtaining a polymeric matrix composite. Three formulations were tested, 10%, 15% and 20% of composite fibers. For the characterization of the composite were determined thermal properties (conductivity, heat capacity, diffusivity and resistivity), mechanical properties (traction and bending) and physiochemical properties (SEM, XRD, density, absorption and degradation). The composite in its three formulations had higher mechanical strength compared to almost all composites that have already been studied in the laboratory LMHES. This greater mechanical resilience was associated with the use of a metallic fiber. Regarding the thermal properties, the composite studied had a lower thermal insulation than other composites studied previously. The composite showed higher viability for humidity absorption and mechanical resilience. The worst result was in thermal applications where its thermal conductivity is above of most polymeric composites found in the literature, due to the use of a metallic fiber. Some tests were made, such as mechanical, thermal, among other tests, showing excellent results because of the specific properties of the composites proposed, namely flexural strength, and good resistance to absorption in aqueous environment. The properties of such composite can be used to make structures that do not require significant mechanical resilience in traction, for instance in solar and wind prototypes, such as ovens and solar powered cookers and wind generator blades.