Joyce de P. Cipriano2, N. C. Zanini1, I. R. Dantas1, D. R. Mulinari1,*
Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.7, No.10, pp. 1047-1053, 2019, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2019.00001
Abstract The use of natural fibers as an additive in polymeric matrices has attracted interest of the automotive industries, for its low cost, mechanical properties, biodegradability and lightness. However, the hydrophilic nature of the fiber makes polymer compatibility difficult. Fiber surface treatments can be used to enhance the fiber/matrix interface. In the present work, polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with fibers from macadamia nutshell were obtained and characterized. Macadamia nutshell fibers were treated by an alkaline treatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH 4%) to improve adhesion between fibers and matrix. Fibers were characterized by techniques of Scanning Electron More >