Análise da viabilidade na utilização como isolante térmico de um compósito de poliuretano/pó de macambira

Abstract

In recent years, concern for the preservation of the environment has encouraged research into new materials that use raw materials from renewable natural sources. In this work, composite materials were produced from the association of rigid polyurethane foam derived from castor oil and macambira powder (Bromelia Laciniosa). Three compositions in closed mold with 5, 10 and 15% by mass of the macambira powder, denominated PU5, PU10 and PU15, were produced in addition to the rigid polyurethane rigid PU foam. The rigid PU foams and their composites were physically characterized by apparent density, water absorption and moisture content. The morphology was observed through images made by scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The identification of the main organic groups was possible with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Compression, tensile, three point bending and hardness tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical behavior. In addition, the XRD analyzes enabled the determination of the crystallinity of the material. Thermogravimetry allowed the determination of the limiting temperatures of resistance to the thermal degradation of the materials. Parameters such as heat capacity, conductivity, diffusivity and thermal resistivity were also determined. The PU10 and PU15 composites presented thermal properties similar to pure polyurethane. This showed that the use of the macambira powder as a filling in the proportions of 10 and 15% by mass is feasible, because, despite the similarities in properties, the composite foams have advantages from the environmental and economic point of view, since part of the volume of the foam is occupied by the macambira powder, a biodegradable material originating from a renewable source.