BR-102024017290-A2 - Vegetable fiber composite, objects made with the composite and the process of obtaining it.

Abstract

The present invention describes a composite made entirely from natural, renewable materials, as well as objects made with this composite and the process for obtaining the material. The composite is compacted on a micrometric scale, without pores due to the high dispersion and anchoring of the fibers in the matrix, resulting in a material with significant mechanical and thermal properties, allowing processability at temperatures up to 250°C. The invention is applicable in areas such as civil construction, furniture manufacturing, packaging, and sealing.

Inventors

• Rubia Figueredo Gouveia
• PEDRO IVO CUNHA CLARO
• JULIANA MARTINS DA SILVA
• EVERTON AUGUSTO RODRIGUES

Assignees

• CENTRO NACIONAL DE PESQUISA EM ENERGIA E MATERIAIS

Dates

Publication Date

20260310

Application Date

20240823

Claims (10)

1. 1. A composite of vegetable fibers characterized by comprising vegetable fibers and a binder (Lig) composed of natural rubber latex (LBN) and lignin.
2. 2. Composite, according to claim 1, characterized in that the vegetable fiber is chosen from the group comprising jute, sisal and sugarcane bagasse (SCB), preferably SCB.
3. 3. Composite, according to claim 1, characterized in that the lignin is preferably that resulting from a kraft or alkali process.
4. 4. Composite, according to claim 1, characterized in that the binder is composed of a lignin solution in LBN, containing between 1 and 20% lignin (dry mass), preferably 5% lignin in the binder, by dry mass.
5. 5. Composite, according to claim 1, characterized by a BCA to binder ratio of 30 to 150%, by dry mass.
6. 6. An object characterized by comprising the composite according to claims 1 to 6, said object being selected from the group comprising a panel, a plate, a structural element, a cladding element, a utensil, a piece of furniture, packaging and a sealing element.
7. 7. Method of manufacturing the composite according to claims 1 to 6 characterized by comprising the steps of: a) Adding the binder (Lig) composed of natural rubber latex (LBN) and lignin to the vegetable fibers; b) Homogenizing the mixture obtained in step (a); c) Pressing the homogeneous mixture while hot.
8. 8. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the vegetable fibers are previously ground and sieved before step (a).
9. 9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the binder is a lignin solution in LBN, containing between 1 and 20% lignin (dry mass), preferably 5% lignin in the binder, by dry mass.
10. 10. Method, according to claim 8, characterized by the proportion between vegetable fibers and binders in the mixture varying from 30 to 150%, by dry mass.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention describes a composite made entirely from natural materials of renewable origin, as well as objects made from said composite and the process for obtaining this material. The invention is in the field of materials engineering and has diverse applications, such as in civil construction, in the manufacture of furniture and various objects, in the manufacture of packaging and seals, among others. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Composites are materials formed by combining two or more components with distinct physical and chemical properties, resulting in a material with characteristics superior to those of the individual components. [0003] Currently, there is growing interest in natural fiber composites, which utilize materials such as jute, sisal, and sugarcane bagasse combined with resins. These materials are used in building panels, thermal and acoustic insulation, and finishing materials. Advantages include sustainability, biodegradability, lightness, and good thermal and acoustic insulation. Sustainability is an added benefit, as these composites reduce environmental impact and promote the circular economy. Many composites require little or no maintenance, resulting in lower costs throughout the building's life cycle. Natural fibers are generally cheaper than synthetic fibers, which can result in reduced production costs. Unlike some synthetic composites, natural fiber composites do not release toxic substances, making them safer for human and environmental health. [0004] In civil construction, natural fiber composites are widely used to manufacture panels, cladding boards, thermal and acoustic insulation elements, and lightweight structural components. They offer advantages such as lightness, good mechanical strength, insulation properties, and sustainability. Natural fiber panels can replace traditional wood, helping to preserve forests and reduce environmental impact. [0005] The automotive industry uses natural fiber composites to manufacture door panels, instrument panels, roof supports, and other interior vehicle parts. These composites help reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions. In addition, they are recyclable and contribute to environmental sustainability. [0006] Natural fiber composites are also used in the manufacture of furniture, including chairs, tables, and cabinets. They offer a natural aesthetic and can be molded into various shapes and sizes, allowing for innovative and customized designs. The durability and strength of composites make them suitable for everyday furniture use. [0007] In the aerospace industry, natural fiber composites are used to create lightweight and strong components, such as aircraft interior panels and fairings. Weight reduction is crucial for fuel efficiency and aircraft performance. Furthermore, the use of sustainable materials is a growing trend in the aerospace industry. [0008] In addition to these applications, natural fiber composites are found in a variety of consumer products, such as kitchenware, sporting goods, and electronics. The lightness and strength of these composites, combined with their natural aesthetics, make them an attractive choice for consumers seeking sustainable, high-performance products. [0009] The packaging industry also benefits from natural fiber composites, using them to create lightweight, strong, and biodegradable packaging. This packaging is a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging, helping to reduce environmental pollution. [0010] In particular, sugarcane bagasse, an abundant byproduct of the sugar and ethanol industry, has stood out as a valuable resource for various industrial applications, mainly in the production of composites. Brazil is the world's largest producer of sugarcane and, consequently, generates a significant amount of sugarcane bagasse. It is estimated that for every ton of sugarcane processed, approximately 280 kg of sugarcane bagasse are generated. With Brazil's annual sugarcane production exceeding 600 million tons, the amount of bagasse generated surpasses 168 million tons per year. [0011] Traditionally, bagasse has been used mainly as fuel for boilers in sugar and ethanol plants. However, the growing search for sustainable and efficient solutions has led to the exploration of new ways to utilize this agricultural residue, transforming it into high value-added materials. [0012] The state of the art comprises several variants of bagasse composites and other vegetable fibers. In patent application EP2447435, a bagasse composite, a method for preparing the composite, and an interior material using the same are described. More specifically, the composite includes 55-75% by weight of fibers and 25-45% by weight of thermoplastic polymer, chosen from polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride, the fibers being obtained from bagasse and hav