Statistical analysis of the substitution of inorganic fibers and fillers with vegetable fibers and fillers in polystyrene composites

Abstract

Thermoplastic composites exhibit improved mechanical performance compared to pure matrices, and the fiber is usually the most influential component of the composite. Recently, studies related to the use of vegetable fibers have grown significantly, but few works report the direct comparative between inorganic and vegetable fibers and fillers as reinforcements. In this work, composites were produced with polystyrene (PS) matrix, reinforced with inorganic fibers (glass), vegetal fibers (kapok), particulate inorganic (CaCO3), and vegetal (wood) fillers. The composites were mixed by a twin‐screw co‐rotating extruder and after processed in an injection‐molding machine. Statistical analyses of density, tensile and flexural strength abrasion resistance were made, along with analyzes of thermal deflection temperature, dynamic mechanical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were performed on the composites. The main results indicate that all reinforcing agents (vegetal and inorganic fibers and fillers) show a regular trend of increasing the mechanical properties proven by statistical comparison, presenting p < 0.01 that proves a significant increase. By dynamic mechanical analysis, vegetable reinforcements showed a higher coefficient of effectiveness when compared to composites produced with inorganic reinforcements.

Does the Layer Configuration of Loofah (Luffa cylindrica) Affect the Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Composites?

“…The demand for environmentally friendly materials has encouraged the development of research to replace synthetic glass and carbon fibers, which are the most used as reinforcements in polymer composites, with natural fibers [1,2]. The high demand for polymeric composites reinforced with glass fibers for manufacturing parts has generated a significant waste of materials in the manufacturing process [3].…”

“…The high demand for polymeric composites reinforced with glass fibers for manufacturing parts has generated a significant waste of materials in the manufacturing process [3]. These materials' manufacturing processes and disposal promote severe environmental impacts [2]. Traditional disposal methods such as landfills or incineration are accumulating these synthetic materials outdoors and promoting environmental pollution [4].…”

“…Traditional disposal methods such as landfills or incineration are accumulating these synthetic materials outdoors and promoting environmental pollution [4]. According to Ponsoni et al [2], natural 2 of 15 fibers have remarkable properties compared to synthetic fibers, such as lightness, low cost, and biodegradability.…”