Characterization of Açaí Fibers (Euterpe Oleracea Mart.) for Application in Cement Composites

The wasteWaste generated by the agroindustry has been highlighted through reuse in the constructionConstruction sector, including açaíAçaí fibers. Natural fibersNatural fibers have been used in the production of alternative materials, such as cementCements-based compositesComposite. The objective of this work was to characterize the açaíAçaí fibers and evaluate the choice of the adequate chemicalChemical treatment to improve the fiber-matrix adhesion in view of its application in mortarsMortar. ChemicalChemical treatments (sodium hydroxide NaOH, calcium hydroxide CaOH2) were performed for 60 min and technological tests for chemicalChemical (X-ray diffraction XRD, energy dispersive X-ray analysis EDX) and morphological (scanning electron microscopy (SEMScanning electronic microscope (SEM))) characterizationCharacterization of the raw and treated fibers. The results showed that the fibers have an irregular shape and lignin and hemicellulose networks on their surface and a higher presence of silica. As for the fiber treatment, NaOH was the most important, which promoted the removal of most of the amorphous constituents such as hemicellulose, lignin, and waxes of the fibers, also causing an increase in their roughness.