Obtenção de compósitos poliméricos com fibras naturais de bagaço de malte

Abstract

The development of materials obtained from renewable sources has been a source of research aimed at meeting a need to reduce environmental problems around the world, mainly caused by the use and disposal of raw materials from non-renewable sources. The use of petroleum, through the cracking of the naphtha for the production of polymers has been generating a great environmental impact, besides its high cost. The incorporation of natural fibers into polymers has shown potential application in several industrial areas, mainly due to its low cost and its mechanical and thermal properties. In this way, the possibility of developing polymer composites with the incorporation of the residue malt bagasse, a residue of the brewing industry, with high lignocellulosic potential and low value added was developed. The malt bagasse fibers were dried, milled and sieved in order to become homogeneous, and then the specimens were prepared with ratios of 5 and 15% bagasse for mechanical analysis. Tensile and bending tests were performed, where a decrease in the mechanical properties was observed as the fiber ratio increased, which is contrary to studies using this type of fiber. This result can be justified by the non-performance of some previous chemical treatment in the fiber or non-use of some compatibilizing agent, and also by the possible variation of the cellulose and lignin concentration in the fiber. Thus, malt bag fibers do not function as a thermoplastic matrix reinforcement, but can be applied in materials that aim only to decrease resin consumption.