Abstract
The production of synthetic materials generally uses non-renewable forms of energy, which are highly polluting. This is driving the search for natural materials that offer properties similar to synthetic ones. In particular, the use of natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) has been investigated since the end of 20th century, and is emerging strongly as an alternative to replace synthetic components and reinforce composite materials for engineering applications. NLFs stand out in general as they are biodegradable, non-polluting, have comparatively less CO2 emission and are more economically viable. Furthermore, they are lighter and cheaper than synthetic fibers, and are a possible replacement as composite reinforcement with similar mechanical properties. In the present work, a less known NLF from the Amazon region, the ubim fiber (Geonoma bacculifera), was for the first time physically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Fiber density was statistically analyzed by the Weibull method. Using both the geometric method and the Archimedes’ technique, it was found that ubim fiber has one of the lowest densities, 0.70–0.73 g/cm3, for NLFs already reported in the literature. Excluding the porosity, however, the absolute density measured by pycnometry was relatively higher. In addition, the crystallinity index, of 83%, microfibril angle, of 7.42–7.49°, and ubim fiber microstructure of lumen and channel pores were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy. These preliminary results indicate a promising application of ubim fiber as eco-friendly reinforcement of civil construction composite material.
Highlights
Composites made of synthetic materials have become a class widely applied in various technological sectors [1]
The absolute density obtained by gas pycnometry of the ubim fibers was 1.86 ± 0.26 g/cm3
The gaseous pycnometry provides the value of the absolute density, including all empty parts of the natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs), and as it is very porous, this higher value is justified
Summary
Composites made of synthetic materials have become a class widely applied in various technological sectors [1] Their production is associated with a relatively high consumption of energy and non-degradable wastes. The search for new natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) as reinforcement in composite materials has increased, as reported in several review papers [8,9,10,11,12]. These NLFs are currently applied to reinforce polymeric composites, used in construction materials, food packaging, and automotive parts [13,14,15].
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