Efecto de la interacción química entre fibra de caña y polietileno de alta densidad reciclado

Abstract

Abstract: From the collection of sugar cane fibers and recycled high-density polyethylene, composite materials were developed with a composition of 90% plastic and 10% fiber, using an extrusion and compression molding process. The sugar cane fibers underwent washes with acetic acid and sodium hydroxide, followed by the incorporation of stearic acid in concentrations of 4% and 5%, aiming to improve compatibility between the polymer and the fiber and reduce material polarity. The physical and chemical properties of the materials were evaluated through tests of tensile strength, flexion, compression, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of mechanical tests, particularly from the flexion test, indicated a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the materials treated with 4% and 5% stearic acid, with increases in the elastic modulus of 28.7% and 33.4%, respectively, and in the maximum flexural stress by 17.1% and 24.5%. Additionally, infrared spectroscopy evidenced the incorporation of stearic acid in the fiber, showing changes in the spectra of functional groups corresponding to carboxylic bonds.