Polyethylene/Fiber Composite - Characterization and Degradation

The objective of this work was to obtain the physico-chemical characteristics and evaluate the degradation of polymeric composites produced from fiber obtained from the babassu palm tree (Attalea speciosa). Babassu stem fibers treated by mercerization were used to obtain the composites. The obtained fiber was used for the preparation of polymer composites in proportions of 5%, 10%, and 20% in a high-density polyethylene matrix. Polymeric composites, were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TG/DTG, SEM, AC impedance and traction test. Traction tests revealed that at a high fiber concentration of 20%, the mechanical resistance of the composites can decrease. After characterization, the materials were subjected to degradation processes via UV radiation. For comparison, a sample of an oxo-biodegradable plastic bag was evaluated under the same conditions. The incorporation of babassu fiber into an HDPE matrix in the formation of a polymeric composite is promising for enhancing photo-oxidation degradation.