Composites based on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and lignocellulosic fibers.

Composites based on PBS and lignocellulosic fibers (coconut, sugarcane bagasse, sisal and curauá) were prepared via thermo-pressing. The effects of the lignocellulosic fibers on the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were investigated by Izod impact tests, flexural tests and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology of the samples was evaluated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and the water absorption was also studied. The results showed that the composites reinforced with curauà and sisal exhibit very high resistance to impact and higher flexural strength than PBS/coconut and PBS/sugarcane bagasse. Moreover the SEM images of the fractured surface of curauá and sisal composites showed good adhesion at the interface fiber-matrix, as well as fibers filled and covered by the matrix. The influence of curauá fiber length and content was also investigated.