Toward Producing Biopolyethylene/Babassu Fiber Biocomposites with Improved Mechanical and Thermomechanical Properties

Abstract

The development of polymeric biocomposites containing natural fibers has grown over the years due to the properties achieved and its eco-friendly nature. Thus, biocomposites involving a polymer from a renewable source (Biopolyethylene (BioPE)) and babassu fibers (BFs), compatibilized with polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (MA) and acrylic acid (AA) (PE-g-MA and PE-g-AA, respectively) were obtained using melt mixing and injection molded into tensile, impact, and HDT specimens. Babassu fiber was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The biocomposites were characterized using torque rheometry, TGA, tensile strength, impact strength, thermomechanical properties, Shore D hardness, and SEM. The data indicate that the torque during the processing of compatibilized biocomposites was higher than that of BioPE/BF biocomposites, which was taken as an indication of a possible reaction between the functional groups. Compatibilization led to a substantial improvement in the elastic modulus, tensile strength, HDT, and VST and a decrease in Shore D hardness. These results were justified with SEM micrographs, which showed babassu fibers better adhered to the surface of the biopolyethylene matrix, as well as an encapsulation of these fibers. The system investigated is environmentally sustainable, and the results are promising for the technology of polymeric composites.

Artificial Neural Network Approach for Assessing Mechanical Properties and Impact Performance of Natural-Fiber Composites Exposed to UV Radiation

“…They are widely used in various industries, including construction, automotive, and packaging [ 3 , 4 ]. SNFT biocomposites offer high-specific mechanical properties and are eco-friendly [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Nevertheless, one major challenge in developing natural-fiber composites is their response to environmental factors, such as moisture, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and heat, which can degrade their mechanical performance and limit their applicability, especially for outdoor applications [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”