Abstract
This work aims investigate the changes on tensile properties of biocomposites obtained by addition of carnauba wax and coconut fibers in a corn starch matrix. The influence of carnauba wax and coconut fibers contents on tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and elongation at break was studied using a response surface methodology. A central composite design based on three levels of carnauba wax content (0, 10 and 20 %) and coconut fibers content (0, 10 and 20 %) was elaborated. Empirical models were obtained to describe these properties as function of coconut fiber and carnauba wax contents. Optical microscopy was carried out to visualize the dispersion and interactions between coconut fibers, carnauba wax and starch matrix in the biocomposites. In presence of carnauba wax, the biocomposite became more compact and with a better interaction between the corn starch-based matrix and coconut fibers reinforcement. It was observed that tensile strength and modulus of elasticity rise with the increase in carnauba wax and coconut fiber contents. Moreover, the elongation at break increases with the addition of coconut fiber, while a decrease in the values of this property occurs with the addition of carnauba wax.
Highlights
The development and use of biodegradable and renewable materials have attracted the attention of society in view of the problems caused by increased solid waste production, pollution and greenhouse gases, as well as, the shortage of non-renewable raw materials
This work aims investigate the effect of fiber and wax contents in tensile properties of biocomposites constituted by a corn starch-based matrix, reinforced with coconut fibers and added of carnauba wax
A total of 13 experiments were run, being sufficient to calculate the coefficients of a second-order polynomial regression model for two variables
Summary
The development and use of biodegradable and renewable materials have attracted the attention of society in view of the problems caused by increased solid waste production, pollution and greenhouse gases, as well as, the shortage of non-renewable raw materials. Synthetic polymers are materials widely used in disposable objects and cause a serious problem due its biological recalcitrance since these materials need hundreds of years to degrade in environment. Most synthetic polymers are currently obtained from non-renewable sources like petroleum. An alternative to conventional polymer objects is using biodegradable objects made from biopolymers, like starch. Starch-based materials stand out as promising candidates to replace polymers from petroleum due its biodegradability, low cost, and to be obtained from a renewable resource. These materials have low flexibility, high brittleness and hydrophilicity[1,3]. Natural fibers have been used to reinforce starch matrices, resulting more strength materials[4,5,6]
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