Development of an Epoxy Matrix Hybrid Composite with Astrocaryum Aculeatum (Tucuma) Endocarp and Kaolin from the Amazonas State in Brazil

Composites with natural lignocellulosic fillers are being cited as a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional materials, as they combine lower costs with lower weight. In many tropical countries, such as Brazil, there is a considerable amount of lignocellulosic waste that is improperly discarded, which causes pollution of the environment. The Amazon region has huge deposits of clay silicate materials in the Negro River basin, such as kaolin, which can be used as fillers in polymeric composite materials. This work investigates a new composite material (ETK) made of epoxy resin (ER), powdered tucuma endocarp (PTE), and kaolin (K), without coupling agents, with the aim of producing a composite with lower environmental impact. The ETK samples, totaling 25 different compositions, were prepared by cold molding. Characterizations of the samples were performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). In addition, the mechanical properties were determined via tensile, compressive, three-point flexural and impact tests. The FTIR and SEM results showed an interaction between ER, PTE, and K, and the incorporation of PTE and K reduced the mechanical properties of the ETK samples. Nonetheless, these composites can be considered potential materials to be used for sustainable engineering applications in which high mechanical strength is not a main requirement of the material.

Automated summary

Composites with natural lignocellulosic fillers are being explored as sustainable alternatives to conventional materials due to their lower costs and weight. This study investigates a new composite material made of epoxy resin, powdered tucuma endocarp, and kaolin, aiming to reduce environmental impact. The samples were characterized using SEM and FTIR, and mechanical properties were determined. The results showed an interaction between the components and reduced mechanical properties, making these composites suitable for sustainable engineering applications with lower mechanical strength requirements.