Polypropylene matrix composites reinforced with coconut fibers

• Autor(a) principal: Gelfuso,Maria Virginia
• Data de Publicação: 2011
• Outros Autores: Silva,Pedro Vieira Gurgel da, Thomazini,Daniel
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Materials research (São Carlos. Online)
• Texto Completo: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-14392011000300013
• topic: coconut fiber; composite; mechanical properties; polypropylene

Polypropylene matrix composites reinforced with treated coconut fibers were produced. Fibers chemically treated (alkalization-CCUV samples) or mechanically treated (ultrasonic shockwave-CMUV samples) were dried using UV radiation. The goal was to combine low cost and eco-friendly treatments to improve fiber-matrix adhesion. Composite samples containing up to 20 vol. (%) of untreated and treated coconut fibers were taken from boxes fabricated by injection molding. Water absorption and mechanical properties were investigated according to ASTM D570-98 and ASTM D638-03, respectively. Electrical characterizations were carried out to identify applications of these composites in the electrical sector. NBR 10296-Electrical Tracking Standard (specific to industry applications) and conductivity measurements were obtained applying 5 kV DC to the samples. CMUV samples containing 5 vol. (%) fiber presented superior tensile strength values (σ~28 MPa) compared to the untreated fibers composite (σ~22 MPa) or alkali treatment (σ~24 MPa). However, CMUV composites containing 10 vol. (%) fiber presented best results for the electrical tracking test and electrical resistivity (3 × 10(7) Ω.m). The results suggest that composites reinforced with mechanically treated coconut fibers are suitable for electrical applications.