Abstract

DIAZ HERRERA, Yumari et al. Preparation and physical - mechanical characterization of biocomposites based on rice flour and cane bagasse fiber. Biotecnia [online]. 2022, vol.24, n.1, pp.23-29.  Epub June 13, 2022. ISSN 1665-1456.  https://doi.org/10.18633/biotecnia.v24i1.1468.

Biocomposite materials made with biodegradable polymeric matrices and reinforced with natural fibers are an ecological alternative for various application sectors. The objective of this research was to elucidate the physical and mechanical properties, as well as the soil degradability, of materials made from rice starch and cane bagasse fiber. Six biocomposites of different lengths were elaborated, which considered whether or not to apply an alkaline treatment, and were subjected to mechanical tests of tensile, flexural and compression, as well as tests of water absorption and soil biodegradability. The results showed that the mechanical resistance of the material was affected by the alkaline treatment of the fiber and its length. The weight loss of the six biocomposites, attributable to their soil biodegradability, was greater than 70 % after four weeks. The 0.25mm fiber length biocomposite treated with alkaline, showed the highest strength in all mechanical tests and represents a promising ecological proposal for various applications.

Keywords : Biodegradable polymer matrix; alkaline treatment; fiber size; mechanical properties; biodegradability.

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