Processing and thermal properties of composites based on recycled PET, sisal fibers, and renewable plasticizers

Abstract

This investigation focuses on the preparation of bio‐based composites from recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and sisal fibers (3 cm, 15 wt %), via thermopressing process. Plasticizers derived from renewable raw materials are used, namely, glycerol, tributyl citrate (TBC) and castor oil (CO), to decrease the melting point of the recycled PET (Tm ∼ 265°C), which is sufficiently high to initiate the thermal decomposition of the lignocellulosic fiber. All used materials are characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, and the composites are also characterized via dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The storage modulus (30°C) and the tan δ peak values of CT [PET/sisal/TBC] indicate that TBC also acts as a compatibilizing agent at the interface fiber/PET, as well as a plasticizer. To compare different processing methods, rheometry/thermopressing and compression molding are used to prepare the recycled PET/sisal/glycerol/CO composites. These two different methods of processing show no significant influence on the thermal properties of these composites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40386.

Synthesis and application of a novel cardanol‐based plasticizer as secondary or main plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride)

“…The easy combustibility of plasticizers limits the various applications of plasticized PVC products. Furthermore, PVC has low thermal stability when used at high temperatures and is sensitive to thermal degradation during processing . Consequently, the flame retardancy and thermal stability of plasticizers need to be enhanced urgently.…”

“…Furthermore, PVC has low thermal stability when used at high temperatures and is sensitive to thermal degradation during processing. 7,8 Consequently, the flame retardancy and thermal stability of plasticizers need to be enhanced urgently. Phthalates play an important role as the main plasticizer additives of PVC and account for more than 80% of total plasticizer consumption due to their excellent plasticizing effect and low price.…”

Valorização de fibras de sisal: síntese de ésteres de celulose e preparação de materiais

“…A utilização de celulose obtida de fontes de crescimento rápido, como a fibra de sisal utilizada no presente trabalho, vem em direção a favorecer a competitividade econômica (SIBANI et al, 2012;DE OLIVEIRA SANTOS et al, 2014).…”

“…Ressalta-se que este processo não tem influência e/ou altera o teor de celulose, hemiceluloses e lignina. A composição das fibras foi previamente determinada por DE OLIVEIRA SANTOS et al (2014) como sendo: 64,9 ± 2,7% celulose; 11,7 ± 0,9% lignina; 25,4 ± 4,3% hemiceluloses; 7,1 ± 0,1% umidade; 0,4 ± 0,1% cinzas. O índice de cristalinidade, determinado via difração de raios X foi de 58% (DE OLIVEIRA SANTOS et al, 2014).…”

“…Matrizes termoplásticas, tais como matrizes de politereftalato de etileno reciclado N P á g i n a | 30 reforçados com fibras de sisal (DE OLIVEIRA SANTOS et al, 2014); biopolietileno de alta densidade reforçados por fibras de curauá (CASTRO et al, 2013;CASTRO, 2014 RODRIGUES et al, 2014) como reforço em biocompósitos preparados a partir de seus ésteres derivados.…”