Obtenção de nanofibrilas de celulose de árvores pioneiras amazônicas e processamento de nanobiocompósitos de PHBV/nanofibrilas de celulose de eucalipto no estado fundido

Abstract

This research project aimed to develop high value-added products such as biodegradable composites reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) making use of Amazonian pioneer plant species, useful in restoration of degraded forest areas. The initial objective was to obtain CNF from two pioneer species (Ochroma pyramidale and Spathelia excelsa) using a friction milling process. The oxidation effect of the bleached fibers mediated by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) on the efficiency of the mechanical defibrillation process was studied. CNF were successfully obtained and the oxidation process favored a higher degree of defibrillation. The morphology analysis allowed the observation of CNF with smaller diameter and more dispersed. The final crystalinity index of the oxidized CNF was decreased, according to X-ray diffraction results, but its thermal stability was not altered, as observed by thermogravimetry (TG). Another objective of this study was to develop nanocomposites of a biodegradable poly(hydroxybutyrate-cohydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) matrix reinforced with eucalyptus CNF through melt processing. CNF were mixed in aqueous solution in the presence of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and then were freeze-dried and milled for feeding in a twin-screw extruder, followed by injection molding. The influence of CNF and PEO on the crystallinity index and crystallization rate of PHBV, as well as the mechanical, thermal, dynamic-mechanical, rheological and morphological properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated. A small increase in mechanical properties in the presence of CNF was observed, limited by the agglomeration of CNF during the drying process, even in the presence of PEO. From the thermal analysis, it can be concluded that the CNF acted as a nucleating agent for PHBV, accelerating its crystallization. The thermal stability of the PHBV did not change in the presence of CNF and PEO, as revealed by TG.