Influence of Surgarcane Bagasse Fibers with Modified Surface on Polypropylene Composites

Sugarcane bagasse fibers were pre-treated with sulfuric acid solution to improve the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) composites for automotive parts. It was used maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) as coupling agent. Fibers were characterized by the techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The chemical composition of fibers was also evaluated. PP was mixed to fibers, in proportions of 5 to 10% (wt/wt) using a thermokinetic mixer model MH-50H. Furthermore tensile specimens were prepared for evaluation of mechanical properties by tensile test. Pre-treatment fibers permitted the removal of other components from sugarcane bagasse. The chemical treatment reduced some of the fibers amorphous components, causing changes in their surface. The addition of pre-treated and compatibilizedfibers to PP matrix caused an increase in the elastic modulus in tensile. It was possible to obtain a more rigid and less deformable material with up to 10% fiber content. However, the use of the coupling agent showed results superior to other composites.