Polyester Composites Reinforced with Corona-Treated Fibers from Pine, Eucalyptus and Sugarcane Bagasse

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate plant fibers that were surface activated with NaOH and corona discharge before incorporating in ortho unsaturated polyester-based fiber composites. It demonstrates the potential use of lignocellulosic particles, especially eucalyptus that presented the higher values for all the mechanical properties analyzed. The corona discharge treatment increased impact strength and tensile strength of the composites, and decreased water absorption. SEM images showed that the surface activation generally improved the interfacial adhesion between fibers and polyester matrix. Corona treatment may depolymerize the lignocellulosic material and smaller fragments may actually help increase the interaction with the polyester.

The Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystals in Sugarcane Bagasse Particleboards of Pith and Fibers

“…The anatomical characteristics did not differ for all characteristics ( Table 2). The values of the fiber cell length and diameter are in agreement with the literature, and the SCB has intermediate values between Eucalyptus and Pine wood (Hemmasi et al, 2011;Mesquita et al, 2017). Hemmasi et al (2011) measured just fibers and found similar mean values: 1590 µm (length), 20.96 µm (cell diameter), 5,64 µm (wall thickness) and 9.72 µm (lumen width).The cell wall fraction is related to the rigidity of the cell and values above 60% are normally related to stiffer fibers (Guimarães Junior et al, 2010).…”

“…Due the chemical composition and the mechanical processing, SCB has some drawbacks such as: high water absorption (WA) (Lee and Mariatti, 2008;Xu et al, 2009); high amounts of ash and extractives that can affect the adhesive cure and the adherence between particles and adhesive (Widyorini et al, 2005;Xu et al, 2009); and, fibers (cells) with less stiffness and more damaged because of the sugarcane milling process (Guimarães Júnior et al, 2012;Mesquita et al, 2017). New studies have been done trying to overcome those problems.…”

Polyester Composites Reinforced With Maleic Anhydride-Treated Filaments From Mauve

“…Long and narrow fibers are preferable because they confer higher mechanical properties to the composites (Guimarães Jr et al, 2010). Mauve fibers have higher length and lower width compare to others natural fibers, also tested in polyester composites, such as pine, Eucalyptus and sugarcane bagasse (Mesquita et al, 2017).…”

“…Mauve fibers have higher WF (69.4%) compare to others natural fibers, also tested in polyester composites, such as pine (26.7%), Eucalyptus (55.9%) and sugarcane bagasse (47.3%) (Mesquita et al, 2017).…”

“…The interaction or interface of the vegetable fibers with the polymer matrix is typically an important issue. However, some incompatibility problems can be mitigated by either modifying the fiber surface or adding compatibilizers (Benítez et al, 2013;Garkhail et al, 2000;Mesquita et al, 2017;Pasquini et al, 2006;Sawpan et al, 2011). Improving the compatibility by changing one or both of the components can develop stronger and more durable bonds (Rowell, 2000).…”