Características das fibras do bambu (Dendrocalamus giganteus) e potencial de aplicação em painéis de fibra de média densidade (MDF)

Abstract

The increased demand for wood and the reduce on its availability is directing the investigations for alternative, natural and renewable materials use. Formed by fibers with high mechanical resistance and with the highest grow rate, bamboo emerges as a promising alternative for industrial purpose. The panels of medium density fiberboard (MDF) are technologies that aim to maximize use and appreciation of wood. In this context this study had the objective of investigate anatomical and chemical characteristics of bamboo fiber from Dendrocalamus giganteus, and in form of MDF panel, evaluate its physical-mechanical properties, such density, moisture content, thickness swelling, water absorption static bending and tension perpendicular to surface, according with ABTN and EN rules. The chemical composition was evaluated by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and illustrated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) being the silicon the main component. For fiber production was applied chemical-termomechanical process with four different treatments with the objective of compare it. In panel composition was used Urea Formaldehyde resin (UF) in 10% of resin, 2.5% of catalyst and 2% of paraffin. The highest yield of pulp and highest Kappa number were obtained on panel T-1 with 79.3% and 177.5, respectively. On physical and mechanical properties evaluation, the results of statistical analysis indicate the best performance in T-3 panel. For better comprehension of mechanical behavior, scanning electron microphotography and microtomography in fracture regions were obtained. Thermal analyses (TG) showed resistant fibers with thermal stability in temperature range up 350ºC. The results of this research showed the technological potential of MDF panels produced with bamboo fibers.