Evaluation of the thermal properties of low density polyethylene composites with bamboo fibers (pebd /bamboo fibers composites) by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis

Abstract

Considering the necessity of the development of environmentally sustainable materials and processes and the occurrence of a great diversity of bamboo species in Brazil, and the same still little used by western society, the objective of this work was to prepare and process LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) / Bamboo fibers, evaluating the thermal and mechanical properties of the obtained composites. Composites containing 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0 wt.% of bamboo fibers were processed. The composites were characterized by thermal tests of Differential Exploration Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetry (TGA). The results of the thermal characterization showed that the obtained composites showed modifications of properties, in relation to the polymer matrix (LDPE). The work showed that it is feasible the use of bamboo fibers in composites involving thermoplastic polymer matrix and lignocellulosic fibers. The composites obtained will have applications in packages processed by thermoforming.