Influence of Carnauba Wax on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of PBS/PLA/Vegetable Fibers Blend Composites

Resumo

Polymeric composites with vegetable fibers have attracted academic and industrial attention due to their ease of obtaining, combination of intrinsic properties, and environmental concerns. PBS/PLA blends reinforced with vegetable fibers from the coffee industry enhance sustainability and circular-economy characteristics. To increase the hydrophobicity and surface quality of polymer composites, carnauba wax proved an excellent alternative, given its organic nature, versatility, and compatibility with biopolymers. Therefore, this study had the objective to evaluate the influence of wax addition on the physical and mechanical wettability properties of PBS/PLA/vegetable fiber blend composites. The presence of wax in the 40% vegetable fiber formulation improved fiber cohesion and distribution, resulting in greater flexibility. Furthermore, in both formulations containing wax, an improvement in the contact angle was observed, with only the one containing 40% fiber reaching an angle greater than 90°, characteristic of hydrophobic materials, corroborating the theory of the wax's plasticizing action in this formulation.