Influência da Lama Vermelha e Fibra de Curauá (Ananas lucidus, Mill) nas Propriedades Físicas e Mecânicas em Compósitos de Poliéster Isoftálico

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of red mud (a byproduct of the Bayer process) and curauá fiber (Ananas lucidus, Mill) on the physical and mechanical properties of isophthalic polyester composites. Composites were fabricated with varying volumetric fractions of red mud (0% to 30%) and a fixed 10% curauá fiber, using the Hand-lay-up method and pressure molding. Results showed that the addition of 10% red mud and 10% curauá fiber yielded the highest tensile strength (24.62 MPa) and elastic modulus (0.7269 GPa). Morphological analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed voids and particle agglomerates, which negatively affected mechanical properties at higher red mud concentrations. The study highlighted the potential of these materials for sustainable applications, aligning with industrial waste reduction and natural fiber utilization.