3 research outputs found
Exploiting the Amazonian açaà palm leaves potential as reinforcement for cement composites through alkali and bleaching treatments.
Recent investigations proposed alternatives for utilization of Açaà (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) fruit wastes, seeds, and lignocellulosic fibers. However, Açaà leaves may also be obtained without harvesting the palms and could be used in higher value-added products. Alkali reaction (1% and 5% of NaOH), different temperatures (70°C, 80°C, and 100°C), and bleaching were combined to produce fibres from the Açaà leaves. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetry were used to evaluate the effect of treatments on fibers, whereas X-ray diffraction and calorimetry were employed to characterize Portland cement pastes containing fibers. Results indicated that Açaà leaves could be transformed into short-length fibers with improved degrading temperature. Alkali treatment at 5% sodium hydroxide (90°C) and bleaching increased fibers? crystallinity and showed efficiency in removing non-cellulosic components. Cement paste evaluation also indicated that fibers treated at 5% NaOH solution caused fewer changes in calorimetric profile and therefore present a greater potential for cement-based composites