Interfacial behavior of composites of recycled poly(ethyelene terephthalate) and sugarcane bagasse fiber

• Published in: Polymer testing Vol. 28; no. 2; pp. 183 - 187
• Main Authors: Corradini, Elisângela, Ito, Edson N., Marconcini, José M., Rios, Carlos Triveño, Agnelli, José A.M., Mattoso, Luiz H.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kindlington Elsevier Ltd 01-04-2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Interfacial compatibilizers; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate); Sugarcane bagasse fiber; Technology of polymers; Sugarcane bagasse fiber; Interfacial compatibilizers; Recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate); Ethylene terephthalate polymer; Olefin copolymer; Fiber reinforced material; Plant fiber; Butyl acrylate copolymer; Compatibilizer; Composite material; Sugar cane(by product); Interface properties; Bagasse; Natural fiber; Recycled material; Methyl acrylate copolymer; Ester polymer; Mechanical properties; Tensile property; Experimental study; Glycidyl methacrylate copolymer; Matrix fiber interface; Dynamic mechanical properties; Concentration effect; Ethylene copolymer
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2008.11.014

This paper reports on a study of composites of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PETr) and sugarcane bagasse fiber with and without compatibilizing agents. The interfacial behavior of these composites was investigated by torque rheometry, tensile tests, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A comparison of the torque values resulting from the use of ethylene/n-butyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate (EBGMA) and ethylene–methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymer compatibilizing agents indicated that EBGMA increased the interaction between the constituents more effectively than EMA. The addition of bagasse sugarcane fiber did not affect the tensile modulus and reduced the tensile strength and elongation of PETr, as is normally observed in these types of composites. Consistent with the results of torque rheometry and DMA, the SEM analyses indicated that EBGMA improved adhesion between the constituents. All the composites showed promise as good alternatives for the production of environmentally friendly products.