Caracterização e análise das propriedades da fibra de Macambira (Bromelia Laciniosa)

Concern for the environment and the exploitation of natural resources has motivated the development of research in lignocellulosic materials, mainly from plant fibers. The major attraction of these materials include the fact that the fibers are biodegradable, they are a renewable natural resource, low cost and they usually produce less wear on equipment manufacturing when compared with synthetic fibers. Its applications are focused on the areas of technology, including automotive, aerospace, marine, civil, among others, due to the advantageous use in economic and ecological terms. Therefore, this study aims to characterize and analyze the properties of plant fiber macambira (bromelia laciniosa), which were obtained in the municipality of Ielmo Marino, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, located in the region of the Wasteland Potiguar. The characterization of the fiber is given by SEM analysis, tensile test, TG, FTIR, chemical analysis, in addition to obtaining his title and density. The results showed that the extraction of the fibers, only 0.5% of the material is converted into fibers. The results for title and density were satisfactory when compared with other fibers of the same nature. Its structure is composed of microfibrils and its surface is roughened. The cross section has a non-uniform geometry, therefore, it is understood that its diameter is variable along the entire fiber. Values for tensile strength were lower than those of sisal fibers and curauá. The degradation temperature remained equivalent to the degradation temperatures of other vegetable fibers. In FTIR analysis showed that the heat treatment may be an alternative to making the fiber hydrophobic, since, at high temperature can remove the hemicellulose layer, responsible for moisture absorption. Its chemical constitution is endowed with elements of polar nature, so their moisture is around 8.5% which is equivalent to the percentage of moisture content of hydrophilic fibers. It can be concluded that the fiber macambira stands as an alternative materials from renewable sources and depending on the actual application and purpose, it may achieve satisfactory results

Morfologia e propriedades mecânicas da fibra de sisal unidirecional e em sobreposição de compósito com resina epóxi

The composites manufactured with long fibres aligned in a single direction, and overlay has been shown to have better performance than the short fibers randomly distributed. In particular, the lignocellulosic fibers extracted from the sisal leaves, used in conjunction with the epoxy resin has attracted the attention of many researchers because the final properties of the system formed. In this work composites based on epoxy resin reinforced with sisal fibers were manufactured. The sisal fibres were treated with an alkaline solution of 0.06 mol/l NaOH. The treated, and untreated fibres were subjected to tension x extension tests. The composites were manufactured in the "Lossy" mold with the specifications of the samples to be produced (300x20x4 mm). The tension tests were carried out in accordance with the ASTM standards 3039 (for the composite aligned in a single direction) and ASTM D5573 (for composites in overlay), three point bending tests were performed according to ASTM D790. Analyzing the results of the tests of tension and three point bending tests, it was observed that the composites with the configuration of overlapping had the better elastic module in both tests. As to the maximum resistance to tension, the best result was the composites aligned in a single direction. Tests of absorption of water and micrographs are in progress

Viabilidade do uso de secadores solar de convecção natural e forçada para a secagem do coco Licuri

Licuri is a palm tree from the semiarid regions of Bahia State, Brazil. It is an important source of food and feed in that region, since their nuts are commonly eaten by humans and used as maize substitute for poultry feeding. The aim of this dissertation is to study the feasibility for use of natural convection solar dryers and forced being compared with the traditional drying outdoors for drying coconut licuri Syagrus coronate. The study led to the construction of two prototype solar dryer for carrying out experiments proving: model Solar Drying System Direct Exposure to Natural Convection built with wood, has a drying chamber with direct cover transparent glass laminates 4 mm, using techniques for proper isolation of the drying chamber. The two prototypes were comparatively analyzed for performance and drying efficiency with traditional extractive use by the community. Were evaluated the variables: time and drying rates and quality of the final samples of coconut licuri. The fruits were harvested and brought the town of Ouricuri, in the city of Caldeirão Grande, BA for the experiments comparing the three methods of drying was used a standard load of 4.0 kg The quantitative analysis for the result of the drying rate was found in 74% yield and 44% for natural and forced convection respectively compared with the traditional drying. These drying rates represent variation 3-5 times lower. Drying using forced convection licuri showed better quality, was found in a reddish pulp, representing the quantities that were kept of the nutrient beta carotene, and not notice the flavor change from the previous system, the final cost of construction of this system were higher . The prototypes built competitive advantage and had testified fully to resolve the technical difficulties previously encountered in the production of products made of coconut licuri. Allowing add value and increase their potential use for the fruit extractive communities of semi-arid region of Bahia

Fermentação alcoólica utilizando líquido da casca de coco verde como fonte de nutrientes

The liquid of the rind of green coconut (LCCV), an effluent stream from the industrial processing of green coconut rind, is rich in sugars and is a suitable feedstock for fermentation. The first step of this study was to evaluate the potential of natural fermentation of LCCV. As the literature did not provide any information about LCCV and due to the difficulty of working with such an organic effluent, the second step was to characterize the LCCV and to develop a synthetic medium to explore its potential as a bioprocess diluent. The third step was to evaluate the influence of initial condensed and hydrolysable tannins on alcoholic fermentation. The last step of this work was divided into several stages: in particular to evaluate (1) the influence of the inoculum, temperature and agitation on the fermentation process, (2) the carbon source and the use of LCCV as diluent, (3) the differences between natural and synthetic fermentation of LCCV, in order to determine the best process conditions. Characterization of LCCV included analyses of the physico-chemical properties as well as the content of DQO, DBO and series of solids. Fermentation was carried out in bench-scale bioreactors using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as inoculum, at a working volume of 5L and using 0.30% of soy oil as antifoam. During fermentations, the effects of different initial sugars concentrations (10 - 20%), yeast concentrations (5 and 7.5%), temperatures (30 - 50°C) and agitation rates (400 and 500 rpm) on pH/sugars profiles and ethanol production were evaluated. The characterization of LCCV demonstrated the complexity and variability of the liquid. The best conditions for ethanol conversion were (1) media containing 15% of sugar; (2) 7.5% yeast inoculum; (3) temperature set point of 40°C and (4) an agitation rate of 500 rpm, which resulted in an ethanol conversion rate of 98% after 6 hours of process. A statistical comparison of results from natural and synthetic fermentation of LCCV showed that both processes are similar

Produção de biodiesel a partir de óleo de coco (Cocos nucifera L

The production of biodiesel has become an important and attractive process for the production of alternative fuels. This work presents a study of the biodiesel production from coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.), by two routes: direct transesterification using NaOH as catalyst and esterification (with H2SO4) followed by basic transesterification. The reactor was built in pirex with 1L of capacity and was equipped with a jacket coupled with a thermostatic bath to temperature control, a mecanical stirring is also present in the reactor. The analysis of oil composition was carried out by gas chromatography and esters compounds were identified. The parameters of molar ratio oil/alcohol, reaction time and temperature were studied and their influence on the conversion products was evaluated using experimental planning (23). The molar ratio was the most significant variable by the statistical planning analysis. Conversions up to 85.3% where achived in the esterification/transesterification, with molar ratio 1:6 at 60ºC and 90 minutes of reaction. For the direct transesterification, route conversions up 87.4% eas obtained using 1:6.5 molar ratio at 80ºC and 60 minutes of reaction. The Coconut oil was characterized by their physic chemical properties and key constituents of the oil. The lauric acid was the main constituint and the oil showed high acidity. The biodiesel produced was characterized by its main physicochemical properties, indicating satisfactory results when compared to standard values of National Petroleum Agency. The work was supplemented with a preliminary assessment of the reaction kinetic

Estudo da influência de pré-tratamentos de dois resíduos lignocelulósicos (bagaço do pedúnculo de caju e casca de coco) utilizados como substrato na indução à síntese de enzimas celulolíticas

Nowadays generation ethanol second, that t is obtained from fermentation of sugars of hydrolyses of cellulose, is gaining attention worldwide as a viable alternative to petroleum mainly for being a renewable resource. The increase of first generation ethanol production i.e. that obtained from sugar-cane molasses could lead to a reduction of lands sustainable for crops and food production. However, second generation ethanol needs technologic pathway for reduce the bottlenecks as production of enzymes to hydrolysis the cellulose to glucose i.e. the cellulases as well as the development of efficient biomass pretreatment and of low-cost. In this work Trichoderma reesei ATCC 2768 was cultivated under submerged fermentation to produce cellulases using as substrates waste of lignocellulosic material such as cashew apple bagasse as well as coconut bagasse with and without pretreatment. For pretreatment the bagasses were treated with 1 M NaOH and by explosion at high pressure. Enzyme production was carried out in shaker (temperature of 27ºC, 150 rpm and initial medium pH of 4.8). Results showed that T.reesei ATCC 2768 showed the higher cellulase production when the cashew apple bagasse was treated with 1M NaOH (2.160 UI/mL of CMCase and 0.215 UI/mL of FPase), in which the conversion of cellulose, in terms of total reducing sugars, was of 98.38%, when compared to pretreatment by explosion at high pressure (0.853 UI/mL of CMCase and 0.172 UI/mL of Fpase) showing a conversion of 47.39% of total reducing sugars. Cellulase production is lower for the medium containing coconut bagasse treated with 1M NaOH (0.480 UI/mL of CMcase and 0.073 UI/mL of FPase), giving a conversion of 49.5% in terms of total reducing sugars. Cashew apple bagasse without pretreatment showed cellulase activities lower (0.535 UI/mL of CMCase and 0,152 UI/mL of FPase) then pretreated bagasse while the coconut bagasse without pretreatment did not show any enzymatic activity. Maximum cell concentration was obtained using cashew nut bagasse as well as coconut shell bagasse treated with 1M NaOH, with 2.92 g/L and 1.97 g/L, respectively. These were higher than for the experiments in which the substrates were treated by explosion at high pressure, 1.93 g/L and 1.17 g/L. Cashew apple is a potential inducer for cellulolytic enzymes synthysis showing better results than coconut bagasse. Pretreatment improves the process for the cellulolytic enzyme production

Produção de enzimas por fungos em fermentação semi-sólida utilizando bagaço de coco e pedúnculo de caju como substratos

The production of enzymes by microorganisms using organic residues is important and it can be associated with several applications such as food and chemical industries and so on. The objective of this work is the production of CMCase, Xylanase, Avicelase and FPase enzymes by solid state fermentation (SSF) using as substrates: bagasse of coconut and dried cashew stem. The microorganisms employed are Penicillium chrysogenum and an isolated fungus from the coconut bark (Aspergillus fumigatus). Through the factorial design methodology and response surface analysis it was possible to study the influence of the humidity and pH. For Penicillium chrysogenum and the isolated fungus, the coconut bagasse was used as culture medium. In another fermentation, it was used the mixture of coconut bagasse and cashew stem. Fermentations were conducted using only the coconut bagasse as substrate in cultures with Penicillium chrysogenum fungus and the isolated one. A mixture with 50% of coconut and 50% of cashew stem was employed only for Penicillium chrysogenum fungus, the cultivation conditions were: 120 hours at 30 °C in BOD, changing humidity and pH values. In order to check the influence of the variables: humidity and pH, a 2 2 factorial experimental design was developed, and then two factors with two levels for each factor and three repetitions at the central point. The levels of the independent variables used in ascending order (-1, 0, +1), to humidity, 66%, 70.5% and 75% and pH 3, 5 and 7, respectively. The software STATISTICA TM (version 7.0, StatSoft, Inc.) was used to calculate the main effects of the variables and their interactions. The response surface methodology was used to optimize the conditions of the SSF. A chemical and a physic-chemical characterization of the coconut bagasse have determined the composition of cellulose (%) = 39.09; Hemicellulose (%) = 23.80, Total Lignin (%) = 36.22 and Pectin (%) = 1.64. To the characterization of cashew stem, the values were cellulose (g) = 15.91 Hemicellulose (%) = 16.77, Total Lignin (%) = 30.04 and Pectin (%) = 15.24. The results indicate the potential of the materials as substrate for semisolid fermentation enzyme production. The two microorganisms used are presented as good producers of cellulases. The results showed the potential of the fungus in the production of CMCase enzyme, with a maximum of 0.282 UI/mL and the Avicelase enzyme the maximum value ranged from 0.018 to 0.020 UI/ mL, using only coconut bagasse as substrate. The Penicillium chrysogenum fungus has showed the best results for CMCase = 0.294 UI/mL, FPase = 0.058 UI/mL, Avicelase = 0.010 UI/mL and Xylanase = 0.644 UI/ mL enzyme, using coconut bagasse and cashew stem as substrates. The Penicllium chrysogenum fungus showed enzymatic activities using only the coconut as substrate for CMCase = 0.233 UI/mL, FPase = 0.031 to 0.032 UI/ mL, Avicelase = 0.018 to 0.020 UI/mL and Xylanase = 0.735 UI/ mL. Thus, it can be concluded that the used organisms and substrates have offered potential for enzyme production processes in a semi-solid cultivation

Remoção biológica de nitrato em água de abastecimento humano utilizando o endocarpo de coco como fonte de carbono

The groundwater quality has been compromised as a result of the intensification of human activities over the years. Groundwater contamination by nitrate is one of the effects of this degradation, a socio-environmental problem that affects many regions of the world and particular the city of Natal (RN). Developing techniques for nitrate removal in water is intended to eliminate or reduce the concentration of this compound, and those that involve biological processes have produced economic and environmental advantages. This study proposes a technology for biological removal of nitrate in water supply for humans, using the endocarp s coconut as a carbon source and bacteria support. The experiments were performed in pilot scale anoxic, testing different areas of the substrate surface. Results showed high rates nitrate removal during the monitoring period, noting the occurrence of denitrification after the beginning of system operation. The best performance was achieved in the treatment system containing substrate surface area increased, indicating that the decrease in the endocarp size contributed to increased bacterial activity, improving the ability to remove nitrate. About the quality analyzed aspects of water, it was found that the proposed technology has the potential water use for human consumption

Estudo da influência de tratamentos químicos da fibra de sisal nas propriedades de compósitos com borracha nitrílica

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Efeito da degradação ambiental nas propriedades de cisalhamento de compósitos PPS/fibra de carbono

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Reavaliação da eficiência de óleo de coco saponificado e de sua microemulsão como inibidores de corrosão em uma célula eletroquímica

An interesting development in surfactants science and technology is their application as corrosion inhibitors, since they act as protective films over anodic and cathodic surfaces. This work aims to investigate the efficiency of saponified coconut oil (SCO) as corrosion inhibitor and of microemulsified system (SCO + butanol + kerosene oil + distilled water), in saline medium, using an adapted instrumented cell, via techniques involving linear polarization resistance (LPR) and mass loss coupons (MLC). For this, curves of efficiency versus SCO concentration (ranging between 0 and 75 ppm) have been constructed. According to the obtained results, the following efficiency levels were reached with OCS: 98% at a 75 ppm concentration via the LPR method and 95% at 75 ppm via the MLC method. The microemulsified system, for a concentration of 15 ppm of SCO, obtained maximum inhibition of 97% (LPR) and 93% (MLC). These data indicate that it is possible to optimize the use of SCO in similar applications. Previous works have demonstrated that maximal efficiencies below 90% are attained, typically 65% as free molecules and 77% in microemulsified medium, via the LPR method in a different type of cell. Therefore, it can be concluded that the adapted instrumented cell (in those used methods) showed to be an important tool in this kind of study and the SCO was shown effective in the inhibition of the metal

Estudo da corrosão no aço carbono 1020 protegido com óleo de coco saponificado: análise físico-química do comportamento químico do tensoativo

Corrosion inhibitors in solution are utilized to minimize processes from corrosion in steel. Of the present dissertation was evaluated the efficiency by inhibition from the surfactant saponified coconut oil (OCS) in the carbon steel 1020 through in linear polarization electrochemistry technique, well as, studied the process from adsorption through from the isotherms from Langmuir, Frumkin and Temkin. The corrosion current was determined through in Tafel extrapolation from the curves in the polarization, and then, was calculated the efficiency in the inhibitor to each concentration and temperature. Were studied four concentrations (12,5 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, and 75 ppm) in the inhibitor OCS and one in the NaCl salt (10.000 ppm) in six temperatures (301 K, 308 K, 313 K, 318 K, 323 K, and 328 K) in triplicate. By the results obtained observed that the technique applied can evaluated with rapidity and efficiency corrosion inhibitors. In relation to the isotherms, the than best appropriated was the in Langmuir and in the concentrations studied, the that obtained the best efficiency was the concentration of 75 ppm

Configurações de semeadura e produção e qualidade da fibra do algodoeiro

We evaluated, in two locations, production and fiber quality of cultivar IAC 23 cotton plants in ultra-narrow row, narrow row and conventional row spacing, varying number of plants by linear meter. Two experiments had been lead, one in Piracicaba - SP and another one in Campinas - SP, both in the crop year 2001/02. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme, with 4 replications, being three spacing rows: 0.38m (ultra-narrow), 0.76m (narrow), and 0.95 m (conventional); and four densities (5, 8, 11, and 14 plants by linear meter). In Piracicaba, the production of cotton was 12% and 8,4 % superior in the ultra-narrow row and narrow row, respectively, when compared to the conventional row. In the ultra-narrow row in the smaller density of plants in the line, the production of cotton was 29.2% and 22.3% superior, respectively, to the productions of the narrow row and conventional row in the same number of plants in the line. The smaller spacing and higher plant density on the line, the smaller the number of bolls per plant at both locations. The agronomic characters of laboratory and the technological characteristics of the fiber were not modified by the populations of plants in the two studied environments.

Ingestão de fibra alimentar e tempo de trânsito colônico em pacientes com constipação funcional

RACIONAL: Pacientes com constipação funcional que não melhoram com suplementação de fibras dietéticas, representam importante problema clínico. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar as relações entre as quantidades de fibras ingeridas, intensidade da constipação e o tempo de trânsito colônico em pacientes com constipação funcional. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 30 pacientes constipados funcionais, sem melhoras após suplementação dietética com fibras e 18 pessoas controle, sadias, sem queixas digestivas, utilizando inquéritos individuais quanto à ingestão de fibras e a intensidade da constipação e, por meio da técnica dos marcadores radiopaco, o tempo de trânsito colônico, total e segmentar. RESULTADOS: Apesar da maior ingestão diária de fibras (26,3 ± 12,9 g, constipados x 9,3 ± 5,2 g, controles), os sintomas da constipação mostraram-se intensos nos constipados (escore médio = 21,3 ± 4,07). O tempo normal para o trânsito colônico foi de 58,8h. O trânsito colônico total, em média, foi mais lento nos constipados (41,0 ± 22,8h, constipados x 21,8 ± 18,5h, controles). Constipados com trânsito lento (>58,8h) apresentaram inércia colônica (oito), obstrução de saída (um) e lentificação no cólon esquerdo (um). Constipados com trânsito normal (<58,8h), apresentaram lentificações isoladas no cólon direito (nove), no cólon esquerdo (três) e no segmento retossigmoideano (oito). Não houve correlação entre a quantidade ingerida de fibra, intensidade da constipação e tempo de trânsito colônico nos constipados funcionais. CONCLUSÕES: em constipados funcionais a gravidade da constipação não depende apenas da ingestão de fibras, que, também não é a única contributiva para as variações no tempo de trânsito colônico. Este diferencia os pacientes normais dos constipados e nestes, aqueles com trânsito alterado que exigem abordagens diferentes da suplementação de fibras.

Avaliação da eficácia e do grau de adesão ao uso prolongado de fibra dietética no tratamento da constipação intestinal funcional

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o grau de adesão e a eficácia da fibra dietética no tratamento da constipação intestinal funcional. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico longitudinal, envolvendo 59 indivíduos, 54 mulheres e 5 homens, idade média de 46 anos (variação: 18-74 anos), com diagnóstico de constipação intestinal funcional. Após regularização do hábito intestinal, com a introdução de fibra dietética, era recomendado aos pacientes manter a dieta com fibra e retornar quatro meses depois, a fim de ser verificada a continuidade da eficácia e o grau de adesão ao seu uso. Associação entre adesão e eficácia foi pesquisada pelo teste exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Nove pacientes abandonaram o estudo e 50 continuaram. Destes, 32 mantiveram hábito intestinal satisfatório e a constipação recorreu em 18. Naqueles com manutenção do hábito intestinal, dezesseis mantiveram a ingestão de fibra recomendada, quatro aumentaram, nove reduziram e três interromperam. Nos casos com recorrência do sintoma, a quantidade de fibra foi mantida em três, aumentada em um, diminuída em três e suspensa em onze. Foi encontrada associação estatisticamente significante entre adesão e eficácia (p=0,008). CONCLUSÃO: A eficácia da fibra dietética mostrou-se moderada, ocorrendo benefício em 64% dos casos. A perda de adesão foi grande, mais da metade dos indivíduos avaliados (52%). Tais resultados sugerem a necessidade de novas estratégias, visando garantir maior fidelidade à terapêutica com fibra e com isto melhorar seus resultados no tratamento da constipação intestinal.