Ecocomposites Based on High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) and Amazon Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) Fibers: Influence of NaOH Treatment on Its Structural, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties.

The structural, thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties of ecocomposites based on a High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) reinforced with açaí (Euterpe oleracea) fibers were evaluated. They were made using 5 wt% açaí fibers treated using 5% NaOH (FT5) and 7% NaOH (FT7). According to a SEM analysis, the alkaline treatment allowed us to remove of the low-molecular weight compounds. The FT5 ecocomposite had a higher elongation, (2.9 ± 0.5)%, and impact of resistance, (98 ± 2) J/m, probably due to the presence of mechanical anchoring, which improved its mechanical properties. The FT7 ecocomposite had a slightly higher thermal stability, with a total mass loss of 87.78%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]