Desenvolvimento e caracterização de compósitos de fibras naturais modificadas e híbridos: fibras da coroa do abacaxi/polipropileno e fibras da coroa do abacaxi/fibras de vidro/polipropileno

The concern with the environment preservation has done with that researchers as well as industries invest in the search for materials that come from renewable sources. Natural fibers, because they are ecologically correct and have low cost, have been studied as a possible substitute, even if partial, of synthetic fibers in the development of polymeric composites. In this context, the hybrid composites (natural/synthetic) increase considerably the range of application of natural composites. The auto industry, in its constant quest for good mechanical properties materials which are developed with sustainability, has in composites with hybrid reinforcement a very viable alternative. In the present work, the nature Crown pineapple fibers and nature Crown pineapple fibers treated with alkaline solution were studied in order to evaluate the influence of chemical treatment in its properties. For this techniques were used x-ray diffractometry, Thermogravimetry and Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Composites have been developed using polypropylene, reinforced with pineapple fibers and pineapple fibers hybrids/glass fibres, both with levels of 5 and 10%. These composites were analyzed by Thermogravimetry techniques and tested by traction. The realization of this work indicated that although the chemical treatment did not affect the thermal stability of the fibers, caused an increase in crystallinity index fibers and decreased its hydrophilic. The tests performed on composite indicated that the composites process was suitable because it provided good dispersion of the polymer matrix. The addition of natural fibers from the pineapple's Crown, in a proportion of 10%, provided the greatest increase in modulus of elasticity (27%) when compared to the pure polymer