Strengthening of a Polyurethane Matrix by Luffa Cylindrica Treated with TDI: Water Absorption and Mechanical Properties

• DOI: 10.1007/s10924-017-1148-5
• Publication Date: 2017-11-17T23:31:51Z
• Authors: Breno N. Melo; Vânya M. D. Pasa; Maximiliano D. Ma...; Waldemar A. A. Ma...; Eduardo P. Muniz
• Keywords: 0205 materials engineering; 02 engineering and technology

Luffa Cylindrica (Luffa Aegypitiaca Miller) fibers with their surface modified by mercerization and TDI were used as a reinforcer in a polyurethane matrix. It was possible to confirm the fiber reaction with TDI by XPS and Elemental Analysis. TG, DTG, DSC, X-ray diffraction and SEM show that there is some surface modification after treatment. The mechanical properties of a polyurethane matrix (castor oil/MDI, NCO/OH = 1.0) and of a composite matrix containing 10% of fibers were compared. The composites absorb more water than pure polyurethane as a result of the hydrophilic behavior of natural fibers, but water sorption was smaller for fibers mercerized and treated with TDI. The tensile moduli observed for composites reinforced with untreated and mercerized fibers were similar but increased 35% with the use of mercerized/TDI modified fiber.TDI treatment caused an increase of 50% in maximum load compared to the polymeric matrix.