Phenolic and lignophenolic (40% sugarcane bagasse lignin/phenol w/w) pre-polymers were synthesized to produce thermoset matrices composites, using sugarcane bagasse as reinforcing agent. This lignocellulosic material was modified by chemical and/or physical methods (alkali treatment, esterification, ionized air). Sugarcane bagasse showed a small improvement in impact strength for both phenolic and lignophenolic matrices. The surface treatment methods improved dispersion as well as adhesion between the resins, phenolic and lignophenolic, and lignocellulosic fibers, but only the composites treated with ionized air exhibited better impact strength results. Concerning the water uptake, for the phenolic composites it was observed that the one reinforced with fibers treated with 8 % NaOH presented a smaller water uptake. For the lignophenolic composites, that reinforced with fibers esterified during 24 hr, using succinic anhydride, presented the lower water uptake.
Vegetal fiber; sugarcane bagasse; thermoset matrix; phenolic composites; impact strength; lignin
