Caracterização físico-química do caroço de dendê visando futuras aplicações

Abstract

Throughout the time, the concern of the society to the environment and the demand for ecologically friendly products for use in different industrial segments increased gradually. Considering this situation, this study aimed to characterize the palm’s core, aiming future applications and may result in a byproduct. The analysis (density and hardness), x-ray diffraction, infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The palm’s core showed good thermal stability, and its degradations initiated at 240ºC range. The material showed characteristic of amorphous materials, but with some peculiar peaks, identifying the predominant presence of specific phases of silicon oxide and cellulose. The results of density and hardness were evaluated and compared with others results published about cores or similar materials. Considering future applications, it was found that the test material has low pozzolanic activity, allowing its use only as filler in composite cement-based Portland, not rejecting the possibility of applying in polymer composites. However, it is essential that more tests are carried out with more specific investigations into the use of palm’s core as raw material.