Treated Natural Fibers -Unsaturated Polyester Composites

MARCOVICH, NORMA E.; ARANGUREN, MIRTA I.; REBOREDO, MARÍA M.

San Pedro

Congreso; Fifth International Symposium on Natural Polymers and Composites, Isnapol 2004; 2004

The addition of particulate fillers (woodflour) and short fibers (sisal) into an unsaturated polyester matrix was performed and analyzed. The efficiency of the filler treatment was investigated, in particular esterification with two different anhydrides, maleic anhydride (MAN) and an alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA). Esterification improves the wettability of the fillers by the resin, so that higher concentrations of filler could be incorporated in the composite. Scanning electron microscopy allowed to confirm the improved adhesion of the fibers to the matrix. Surfaces of fractured esterified woodflour-composites showed that the resin fills the hollow central regions of the woodflour cells (lumens) reducing capillarity effects during humidity or water sorption by the composites.