Thermogravimetric characterization of polyester matrix composites reinforced with eucalyptus fibers

The substitution of natural fibers for synthetic ones as reinforcement of polymer matrix composites is today not only the subject of investigation but also engineering applications. Natural fibers display environmental advantages in association with economic benefits related to comparatively lower cost as well as less energy consumption. Several natural lignocellulosic fibers (LCF's) extracted from worldwide cultivated plants, such as sisal, coir, cotton, flax, among others, are successfully being used in composites. A great number of other LCF's, especially from wood species, has a reinforcement potential waiting to be explored. Thus, the objective of this short communication is to evaluate the thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) behavior of polyester matrix composites reinforced with relatively higher volume fractions, 30, 40 and 50 vol%, of eucalyptus fibers. The incorporation of eucalyptus fibers slightly reduces the thermal stability of the polyester matrix by a small decrease in the onset of thermal degradation and the DTG peak temperature as compared to neat polyester. The limit for practical application of these composites could be set as 300 °C, before the onset of major weight loss.