Preparo e caracterização de um compósito plástico-madeira a base de resíduos de eucalipto/fibra de vidro/polietileno de alta densidade

Abstract

Wood plastic composites are composed of a reinforcement, which can be fine wood particles wrapped in a polymer matrix. This mixture aims to reduce production costs in addition to reducing wood consumption, as in traditional products. These materials are typically produced from wood waste, tree bark, coconut husks, and low cost commercial polymers (often recycled). In this sense, the objective of the project was to produce WPCs using a mixture of eucalyptus sawdust, with glass fibers combined with high density polyethylene, through a conventional extrusion process. The amount of matrix was fixed at 60% (w/w total mass of WPCs) and the proportions of eucalyptus sawdust and fiberglass (St/FG) were 100, 75, 25.0% (w/w) in in relation to the content of reinforcing material. The composite materials prepared were characterized by SEM EDS, DSC, FTIR, moisture, density and water absorption capacity. The density and moisture analyzes showed that the addition of sawdust, fiberglass in the HDPE matrix caused changes in the chemical structure of the material. Such information was also corroborated by the FTIR spectra. In addition, the DSC data showed that the composite material showed thermal stability above 130ºC and low moisture retention. Among all materials, the 40St formulation presented the best compressive strength, higher than the pure matrix. In this sense, the results indicated that it was possible to produce and replace 40% of HDPE with sawdust, a wood co product, improving the compression properties. This material has potential application in regions of high temperature and humidity as finishes (external decks, railings, park benches, fences, doors and windows).