Production and evaluation of recycled polymers from açaí fibers

Abstract

The possibility of recycling and the favorable mechanical properties of the products have encouraged the study and production of thermoplastic composites from natural fibrous waste. Açaí (cabbage palm) fiber, which is removed from the seed, has been slightly investigated, as compared to what is already known about the fruit pulp. In this study, the influence of açaí fiber as an element of reinforcement in recycled everyday usage thermoplastics using simple, low cost methodology was evaluated. Recycled matrixes of high impact polystyrene and polypropylene were molded by hot compression from which the fiber composites were obtained. The FTIR technique showed that the process was efficient in preventing degradation of the açaí fibers. The influence of the fiber on the mechanical behavior of the recycled matrixes was investigated by microscopic images of compression and impact tests. The results showed better impact performance for the fiber combined with the polymeric matrixes.

Effect of the Glycerol and Lignin Extracted from Piassava Fiber in Cassava and Corn Starch Films

“…This can be proven by the high number of patents, papers and products already marketed [1][2][3][4][5][6] . Piassava fibers are extracted from the palm tree Attalea funifera Martius.…”

Physicochemical, Mechanical and Morphologic Characterization of Purple Banana Fibers

“…Also, they are nontoxic, not abrasive and are originated from renewable sources. These fibers are abundant in Brazil and can be easily modified by chemical agents, exhibiting comparable mechanical properties to other synthetic reinforcements 2,3 . However, vegetable fibers have a hydrophilic nature, affecting the adhesive properties when they are incorporated in hydrophobic polymer matrices [4][5][6] .…”

An overview of fruit and vegetable edible packaging materials

“…Incorporating natural fibres rich in lignin and hemicelluloses into the polymer matrix resulted in lower values of tensile strength at rupture and compression resistance compared to the recycled polymers without fibres, which was explained by insufficient adherence of the fibrous layer to the recycled material leading to delamination and fibre displacement. The presence of açaí seed fibres in the formulation of recycled thermoplastics increased their impact resistance by about 44% for PP and 12% for HIPS . On the other hand, Pérez Espitia and others recorded an improvement in the tensile strength of açaí‐pectin edible packaging materials when incorporated with apple skin powder as a rich source of dietary fibre consisting mainly of cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignins, pectins, and gums.…”