Estudo da viabilidade da reciclagem de biocompósitos à base de polipropileno e fibras de curauá

Abstract

This research presents an approach about the polypropylene recycling process reinforced with curauá reprocessed fibers. As an alternative proposal reinforcement to polymeric composites. Levels of 10 %, 20 % and 30 % of fibers in the biocomposites were analyzed to check their mechanical properties comparing them, even with the properties of polypropylene (PP). Pellets biocomposites were prepared by the extrusion process, and the specimens were manufactured by injection process and subjected to mechanical tests of uniaxial tensile, three point bending and impact. To check for damage to the specimens was used to analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These biocomposites were also subjected to testing physical – chemistry of index of fluidity (IF). It was observed that the polypropylene biocomposites with 30 % curauá fibers showed higher elastic modulus for both traction and to flexion and less resistance to impact. For all biocomposites, the values found in tensile tests to the limits of flow and maximum voltage have approximate values as they were added the curauá fibers. Another important point was increased resistance to bending in biocomposite as promoting the addition of curauá fibers and decrease as they were reprocessed also decreased thermal degradation of the polypropylene blends and curauá fibers, and no impairment of so in general, the production of biocomposites, when analyzed by scanning electron microscopy.