Green coconut fibers were added as reinforcement in polymer matrices comprised of corn gluten meal (GM) and PHBV. The composites were processed by extrusion. The maximum gluten content added in the matrix to obtain mixtures with low enough viscosity for the extrusion process was 50% (by weight) in relation to PHBV content. The content of fibers used in the composites varied from 5% to 20% (by weight) of the total polymers weight (GM and PHBV). Glycerol and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) were used as plasticizers. The matrices and composites obtained were molded by heat compression and further characterized. Water absorption at equilibrium and water solubility decreased as the PHBV content increased. The Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength increased with fiber content in the matrix for some compositions. GM/PHBV matrices exhibited two distinct glass transitions, one for each component, indicating a two-phase system. DMTA results and the morphology of the composites analyzed under the scanning electron suggested that the reinforcing effect of the green coconut fibers in GM/PHBV matrices was not homogeneous.
Composite; green coconut fibers; corn gluten meal; poly (hydroxybutyrate-cohydroxyvalerate
