Trabalhabilidade de eco-compósitos formados por resina de mamona e carga de piaçava sob a ótica do design

Abstract

The growing environmental concern has driven the use of renewable materials, highlighting eco-composites with vegetable fibers as a promising alternative in industrial design. This thesis analyzes the workability and application potential of an eco-composite based on piaçava fibers (Lower South of Bahia and middle Rio Negro – Manaus) and vegetable-derived polyurethane resin (castor oil). The research is based on the Design by Material Experience method with Eco-composites, guided by material experimentation in the design process. The fibers were used in their natural state, without chemical treatments, and subjected to particle size reduction in a knife mill, aiming to favor homogenization with the polymeric matrix. The material was produced by heated compression molding, from different proportions of fiber and resin. The methodology articulates bibliographic review, laboratory experimentation and workability tests, including traditional machining, CNC machining, mechanical bonding, surface finishing and application in design prototypes. The results indicate that the eco-composite exhibits good machining performance, dimensional stability, and aesthetic potential, demonstrating viability for applications in coatings, partitions, furniture, and lighting fixtures, especially in indoor environments. Limitations include sensitivity to weathering and the absence of standardized tests, restricting its use in structural applications. As a contribution, the research proposes design guidelines and reinforces material experience as a strategy in the development of sustainable materials.