Characterization of Açaí Fibers (Euterpe Oleracea Mart.) for Application in Cement Composites

Abstract

The waste generated by the agroindustry has been highlighted through reuse in the construction sector, including açaí fibers. Natural fibers have been used in the production of alternative materials, such as cement-based composites. The objective of this work was to characterize the açaí fibers and evaluate the choice of the adequate chemical treatment to improve the fiber-matrix adhesion in view of its application in mortars. Chemical treatments (sodium hydroxide NaOH, calcium hydroxide CaOH2) were performed for 60 min and technological tests for chemical (X-ray diffraction XRD, energy dispersive X-ray analysis EDX) and morphological (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) characterization of the raw and treated fibers. The results showed that the fibers have an irregular shape and lignin and hemicellulose networks on their surface and a higher presence of silica. As for the fiber treatment, NaOH was the most important, which promoted the removal of most of the amorphous constituents such as hemicellulose, lignin, and waxes of the fibers, also causing an increase in their roughness.