Investigação de propriedades físicas e mecânicas de um compósito cimentício produzido a partir do aproveitamento da biomassa dos resíduos de coco

Abstract

Coconut consumption in Brazil generates a significant amount of solid waste. Despite the coconut waste being organic, this type of biomass has slow biodegradation. Its inadequate final disposal can cause impacts, such as soil contamination, and contribute to the proliferation of vectors that transmit diseases. The large volume of coconut waste generated when sent to landfills reduces their useful life. The coconut waste has the potential to function as an input for other industries, such as the construction industry, which traditionally has a high demand for non-renewable natural resources. In this context, the present work aims to develop and investigate the properties of a bio-based cementitious composite produced with coconut mesocarp from a specific coconut water industry. Coconut mesocarp was processed, treated and characterized for the production of composites with a volumetric fraction of 30%, 35% and 40% of biomass, and cementitious binders. In the fresh state, the consistency of the mixtures was investigated. In the hardened state, the following mechanical properties were investigated: uniaxial compression strength and flexural tensile strength; and physical properties: bulk density; total water absorption; void index and specific mass. In general, it was observed a reduction in the values of mechanical properties and bulk density, and an increase in the void index and water absorption, with an increase in the volumetric fraction of biomass. Compressive strength values ranged from 3.44 MPa to 10.26 MPa at 28 days; and the apparent density ranged from 1.06 g/cm³ to 1.29 g/cm³. The results indicate a potential use for coconut biomass waste in civil construction, mainly for sealing elements with non-structural functions.