Production of compounds based on natural fibers for use in the automobile industry

Abstract

The objective of the present project was the development of a better technology for the conversion of lignocellulosics (waste or not) and virgin or recycled thermoplastics in environmentally friendly products. The principal technologies studied were: formation of coats via air deposition (non-woven) and mixture via melting (extrusion and injection of mixtures). The steps in the project consisted of developing methods to convert lignocellulosic waste (newspaper, sugarcane bagasse and sawdust) mixed with thermoplastics (polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene); to optimize laboratory methods to produce composites for the automobile industry, derived from waste; to establish a database of diverse natural fibers(jute, sisal, ramie, coconut, curaua, flax, sugarcane bagasse etc.,) in different proportions and formulations, aiming for better adhesion and mechanical and physical properties; to establish the extension of the recycling processes of these composites and quantify the loss of properties; and to analyze their life cycle, principally in relation to the automobile industry. The composites were evaluated for their mechanical (bending, tension), impact (Izod) and physical (swelling and accelerated aging) properties. (AU)