Sisal organosolv pulp as reinforcement for cement based composites

The present work describes non-conventional sisal (Agave sisalana) chemical (organosolv) pulp from residues of cordage as reinforcement to cement based materials. Sisal organosolv pulp was produced in a 1:1 ethanol/water mixture and post chemically and physically characterized in order to compare its properties with sisal kraft pulp. Cement based composites reinforced with organosolv or kraft pulps and combined with polypropylene (PP) fibres were produced by the slurry de-watering and pressing method as a crude simulation of the Hatschek process. Composites were evaluated at 28 days of age, after exposition to accelerated carbonation and after 100 soak/dry cycles. Composites containing organosolv pulp presented lower mechanical strength, water absorption and apparent porosity than composites reinforced with kraft pulp. The best mechanical performance after ageing was also achieved by samples reinforced with kraft pulp. The addition of PP fibres favoured the maintenance of toughness after ageing. Accelerated carbonation promoted the densification of the composites reinforced with sisal organosolv + PP fibres.FINEP - Financiadora de Estudos e ProjetosConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Effect of nano-silica deposition on cellulose fibers on the initial hydration of the portland cement

The surface modification of cellulose fibers was studied, and its influence on the initial hydration of fiber-cement mixtures was evaluated. The fiber modification was conducted through deposition of nano-silica on their surface via the sol-gel method. The fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method to determine their porosity and specific surface area. The inhibition index (II) was determined in order to evaluate the effect of fibers at the initial hydration of the Portland cement. Modified fibers (MF) presented a homogeneous surface coating formed by spherical nano-silica. The crystallinity index of the fibers was reduced 15% and the specific surface area, volume, and pore diameter increased 209%, 134%, and 10%, respectively, after modification. Regarding the initial hydration, the results showed that the nano-silica present on the surface of the MF slightly accelerated the process of hardening and did not inhibit the hydration of the cement paste (without limestone and additives). The inhibition index of the composites was impaired when limestone (30%) and additives (2%) were added as partial replacement of cement, as well as when the water:cement ratio increased, retarding the initial hydration of the cement

Desempenho térmico de telhas de fibrocimento reforçadas com polpa de sisal para construções rurais

Roofing provides the main protection against direct solar radiation in animal housing. Appropriate thermal properties of roofing materials tend to improve the thermal comfort in the inner ambient. Nonasbestos fiber-cement roofing components reinforced with cellulose pulp from sisal (Agave sisalana) were produced by slurry and dewatering techniques, with an optional addition of polypropylene fibers. Nonasbestos tiles were evaluated and compared with commercially available asbestos-cement sheets and ceramic tiles (frequently chosen as roofing materials for animal housing). Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of tiles were determined by the parallel hot-wire method, along with the evaluation of the downside surface temperature. Cement-based components reinforced with sisal pulp presented better thermal performance at room temperature (25ºC), while those reinforced with sisal pulp added by polypropylene fibers presented better thermal performance at 60ºC. Non-asbestos cement tiles provided more efficient protection against radiation than asbestos corrugated sheets.O telhado fornece a principal proteção contra a radiação solar direta em galpões para animais. Propriedades térmicas apropriadas dos materiais contribuem para o melhor conforto térmico no interior das construções. Telhas sem amianto reforçadas com polpa de celulose de sisal (Agave sisalana) e com adição opcional de fibras de polipropileno foram produzidas pela técnica de mistura e sucção do excesso de água. Telhas corrugadas de cimento amianto, telhas cerâmicas e telhas à base de cimento reforçadas com polpa de celulose (com ou sem adição de fibras sintéticas) foram comparadas quanto às suas propriedades térmicas. A condutividade térmica e a difusividade térmica foram determinadas pelo método do fio quente paralelo, assim como a temperatura da superfície inferior das telhas foi avaliada em diferentes períodos. Telhas de cimento reforçados com polpa de sisal apresentaram as melhores propriedades térmicas em temperatura ambiente (25ºC), enquanto aquelas reforçadas com polpa de sisal associada a fibras de polipropileno apresentaram melhor desempenho térmico a 60ºC. As telhas sem amianto forneceram proteção mais eficiente contra a radiação térmica do que as telhas corrugadas de amianto.FinepCNPqCoordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)Fapes

Thermal performance of sisal fiber-cement roofing tiles for rural constructions

O telhado fornece a principal proteção contra a radiação solar direta em galpões para animais. Propriedades térmicas apropriadas dos materiais contribuem para o melhor conforto térmico no interior das construções. Telhas sem amianto reforçadas com polpa de celulose de sisal (Agave sisalana) e com adição opcional de fibras de polipropileno foram produzidas pela técnica de mistura e sucção do excesso de água. Telhas corrugadas de cimento amianto, telhas cerâmicas e telhas à base de cimento reforçadas com polpa de celulose (com ou sem adição de fibras sintéticas) foram comparadas quanto às suas propriedades térmicas. A condutividade térmica e a difusividade térmica foram determinadas pelo método do fio quente paralelo, assim como a temperatura da superfície inferior das telhas foi avaliada em diferentes períodos. Telhas de cimento reforçados com polpa de sisal apresentaram as melhores propriedades térmicas em temperatura ambiente (25ºC), enquanto aquelas reforçadas com polpa de sisal associada a fibras de polipropileno apresentaram melhor desempenho térmico a 60ºC. As telhas sem amianto forneceram proteção mais eficiente contra a radiação térmica do que as telhas corrugadas de amianto.Roofing provides the main protection against direct solar radiation in animal housing. Appropriate thermal properties of roofing materials tend to improve the thermal comfort in the inner ambient. Nonasbestos fiber-cement roofing components reinforced with cellulose pulp from sisal (Agave sisalana) were produced by slurry and dewatering techniques, with an optional addition of polypropylene fibers. Nonasbestos tiles were evaluated and compared with commercially available asbestos-cement sheets and ceramic tiles (frequently chosen as roofing materials for animal housing). Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of tiles were determined by the parallel hot-wire method, along with the evaluation of the downside surface temperature. Cement-based components reinforced with sisal pulp presented better thermal performance at room temperature (25ºC), while those reinforced with sisal pulp added by polypropylene fibers presented better thermal performance at 60ºC. Non-asbestos cement tiles provided more efficient protection against radiation than asbestos corrugated sheets

Técnicas multivariadas aplicadas à avaliação de resíduos lignocelulósicos para a produção de bioenergia

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509812361The evaluation of lignocellulosic wastes for bioenergy production demands to consider several characteristicsand properties that may be correlated. This fact demands the use of various multivariate analysis techniquesthat allow the evaluation of relevant energetic factors. This work aimed to apply cluster analysis and principalcomponents analyses for the selection and evaluation of lignocellulosic wastes for bioenergy production.8 types of residual biomass were used, whose the elemental components (C, H, O, N, S) content, lignin, totalextractives and ashes contents, basic density and higher and lower heating values were determined. Bothmultivariate techniques applied for evaluation and selection of lignocellulosic wastes were efficient andsimilarities were observed between the biomass groups formed by them. Through the interpretation of thefirst principal component obtained, it was possible to create a global development index for the evaluationof the viability of energetic uses of biomass. The interpretation of the second principal component alloweda contrast between nitrogen and sulfur contents with oxygen content.http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509812361Na avaliação de resíduos lignocelulósicos para a produção de bioenergia é necessário considerar as várias características e propriedades que podem ser correlacionadas. Este fato demanda o emprego de diversas técnicas de análise multivariada que possibilitem a avaliação dos fatores energéticos mais relevantes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi aplicar as análises de agrupamento e componentes principais na seleção e avaliação de resíduos lignocelulósicos visando à produção de bioenergia. Foram utilizados 8 tipos de biomassa residual, dos quais foram determinados os teores dos componentes elementares (C, H, O, N, S), os teores de lignina, extrativos totais e cinzas, a densidade básica e o poder calorífico superior e inferior. As duas técnicas multivariadas empregadas para a avaliação e seleção de resíduos lignocelulósicos para a produção de energia foram eficientes, sendo observadas similaridades entre os grupos de biomassa formados por elas. Pela interpretação da primeira componente principal obtida, criou-se um índice de desempenho global para avaliar a viabilidade do aproveitamento energético da biomassa. A interpretação da segunda componente principal permitiu um contraste entre os teores de nitrogênio e enxofre e o teor de oxigênio

Carbonatação acelerada efetuada nas primeiras idades em compósitos cimentícios reforçados com polpas celulósicas

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito carbonatação acelerada nas propriedades físicas e desempenho mecânico de compósitos cimentícios reforçados com altos teores de polpas celulósicas. Os compósitos foram moldados em laboratório pelo processo de sucção a vácuo do excesso de água e posterior prensagem, e a carbonatação acelerada foi realizada em diferentes estágios de cura. O estudo das propriedades microestruturais foi realizado por microscopia eletrônica de varredura ambiental e difração de raios X. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a carbonatação acelerada nos primeiros dias de cura resultou em maiores resultados de propriedades mecânicas e melhora na interface fibra-matriz. A carbonatação acelerada reduziu o conteúdo de portlandita [Ca(OH)2] e aumentou o teor de calcita [CaCO3] que é o principal composto resultante da carbonatação. Consequentemente, ocorreu a redução da alcalinidade na matriz cimentícia, o que pode favorecer a durabilidade das fibras celulósicas que se destacam como alternativas às fibras minerais e sintéticas, e podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento sustentável na tecnologia dos materiais de construção

MULTIVARIATE TECHNIQUES APPLIED TO EVALUATION OF LIGNOCELLULOSIC RESIDUES FOR BIOENERGY PRODUCTION

Na avalia\ue7\ue3o de res\uedduos lignocelul\uf3sicos para a produ\ue7\ue3o de bioenergia \ue9 necess\ue1rio considerar as v\ue1rias caracter\uedsticas e propriedades que podem ser correlacionadas. Este fato demanda o emprego de diversas t\ue9cnicas de an\ue1lise multivariada que possibilitem a avalia\ue7\ue3o dos fatores energ\ue9ticos mais relevantes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi aplicar as an\ue1lises de agrupamento e componentes principais na sele\ue7\ue3o e avalia\ue7\ue3o de res\uedduos lignocelul\uf3sicos visando \ue0 produ\ue7\ue3o de bioenergia. Foram utilizados 8 tipos de biomassa residual, dos quais foram determinados os teores dos componentes elementares (C, H, O, N, S), os teores de lignina, extrativos totais e cinzas, a densidade b\ue1sica e o poder calor\uedfico superior e inferior. As duas t\ue9cnicas multivariadas empregadas para a avalia\ue7\ue3o e sele\ue7\ue3o de res\uedduos lignocelul\uf3sicos para a produ\ue7\ue3o de energia foram eficientes, sendo observadas similaridades entre os grupos de biomassa formados por elas. Pela interpreta\ue7\ue3o da primeira componente principal obtida, criou-se um \uedndice de desempenho global para avaliar a viabilidade do aproveitamento energ\ue9tico da biomassa. A interpreta\ue7\ue3o da segunda componente principal permitiu um contraste entre os teores de nitrog\ueanio e enxofre e o teor de oxig\ueanio.The evaluation of lignocellulosic wastes for bioenergy production demands to consider several characteristics and properties that may be correlated. This fact demands the use of various multivariate analysis techniques that allow the evaluation of relevant energetic factors. This work aimed to apply cluster analysis and principal components analyses for the selection and evaluation of lignocellulosic wastes for bioenergy production. 8 types of residual biomass were used, whose the elemental components (C, H, O, N, S) content, lignin, total extractives and ashes contents, basic density and higher and lower heating values were determined. Both multivariate techniques applied for evaluation and selection of lignocellulosic wastes were efficient and similarities were observed between the biomass groups formed by them. Through the interpretation of the first principal component obtained, it was possible to create a global development index for the evaluation of the viability of energetic uses of biomass. The interpretation of the second principal component allowed a contrast between nitrogen and sulfur contents with oxygen content

Effect of pyraclostrobin on mulberry leaves nutrients, silkworm cocoon production and silk fiber performance

The present work evaluates the effect of pyraclostrobin fungicide on the nutritional quality of mulberry leaves, silkworm cocoon production and silk fiber mechanical performance. The evaluation was performed in two consecutive years. In Spring 2015, mulberry plants were treated twice with 4 doses of pyraclostrobin (0, 100, 200, and 300 g.ha-1), 30 and 15 days before pruning of the branches. In Spring 2016, the same plants received the same doses of pyraclostrobin only 30 days before pruning of the branches. Fifth instar caterpillars were fed on treated mulberry leaves. The mineral content of mulberry leaves was determined on pruning day of the branches and 30 days before. The consumption of mulberry leaves and the mortality rate of the caterpillars fed with the treated leaves was verified, and the cocoons obtained were classified and weighed. Silk fibers were submitted to mechanical evaluation by tensile test. Morphological and physical modification were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In 2015, the mortality of caterpillars fed on leaves treated with pyraclostrobin was at least 26.7% higher than the control. At 2016 even with a single application the weight of the cocoons was lower. The main variation in the mineral content was observed in Mn and Fe nutrients. Mineral intake had a noticeable effect in both crystallinity and tensile strength. Results show that the use of pyraclostrobin may reduce the mechanical behavior of silk thread up to 70%, indicating that its use is not indicated for mulberry planting aiming silk feeding.Keywords: Bombyx mori. silk fibers. mulberry leaves. fibroin changes. Silkworm mortality, fiber performance

Nanostructured Polylactic Acid/Candeia Essential Oil Mats Obtained by Electrospinning

This work aims to evaluate the effect of inclusion of different contents of candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus) essential oil (whose alpha-bisabolol is the main terpene) on the properties of polylactic acid (PLA) nanostructured mats and their relationship with fiber morphology and structure. The interaction occurring between the PLA and the candeia essential oil was confirmed by thermal and microscopy analysis. Addition of candeia essential oil increased nanofiber diameter and decreased the glass transition and melting temperatures of the nanofibers, suggesting lower energy input for processing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images provided evidence of a homogeneous structure for the nanostructured mats. X-ray diffraction did not show differences in the crystallization of the nanofibers. This ongoing research confirms the possibility of incorporation of candeia essential oil in the production of nanofibers that will be studied for multipurpose applications