Composites from sugarcane straw and derivatives

摘要

Sugarcane straw has been evaluated as a new lignocellulosic material to be used for pulping or as reinforcement in composites with polymers. Pulps and straw can be used directly or after derivatization through methylation, ethylation, benzylation and benzoylation. Compatibility with polymer, for example, polypropylene, is possible and both materials should be mixed and injected. Experiments were performed with different mixtures using cellulose (straw pulp), in natura straw or pretreated straw in a range of percentages from 5 to 50 wt% with polypropylene. A Dryser homogenizator was utilized and the results showed a good compatibility between fiber and matrix after injection molding. Mechanical properties were measured and straw derivatives can replace some of polypropylene in the composite production since natural fibers are less expensive. Composites were also analyzed by TGA, DSC and SEM.