This study investigate the influence of alkaline treatment applied to Curauá fibers, at concentrations of 1, 5 and 10% (w/v) NaOH, on the properties of the composite of PHBV matrix with 20 wt % Curauá fiber. The composites were molded by extrusion and injection and their morphological, thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated. The results showed that alkali treatment caused modifications in the structure of the Curauá fibers by the removal of hemicellulose and lignin, as evidenced by the absence of the typical bands of these compounds in FTIR analysis. It was found an increase of 30% in flexural strength and 12% in impact resistance for the composites with fibers treated in 5% NaOH solution, in relation to composites with fibers without treatment. These results indicate that the alkaline treatment promoted an improvement in the adhesion of the fibers to the matrix, which significantly improved the mechanical properties of the composites. However, concentrations of NaOH solution different from 5% may have a deleterious effect on the mechanical properties of the fibers and composites.
Composite; PHBV; curaua fibers; alkaline treatments
