Biocomposite of bioepoxy reinforced with curauá fiber and manufacturing method.

Description

/ 6 Biocomposite of bioepoxy reinforced with curauá fiber and manufacturing method. Field of invention

[001] The present invention falls within the field of composite materials, with emphasis on a bio-epoxy biocomposite reinforced with curauá fiber, as well as the manufacturing method associated with this material. The differentiating factor of the proposed biocomposite lies in the use of natural and renewable resources, promoting an innovative solution for the development of sustainable materials with excellent mechanical performance and reduced environmental impact. This approach combines high performance with environmentally responsible practices, contributing to the advancement of clean technologies.

[002] The application of biocomposites is broad and versatile, encompassing sectors such as the automotive, aeronautical, civil construction, packaging, and boating industries for sports, leisure, services, and other applications. In the automotive industry, it can be used in interior panels, structural components, and finishing parts, promoting a reduction in vehicle weight, resulting in greater energy efficiency and lower pollutant emissions. In the aeronautical industry, biocomposites offer significant advantages for applications that demand a high strength-to-weight ratio, while in civil construction it stands out in panels, coatings, and structural elements that require durability and environmental efficiency. The packaging sector also benefits from the lightness and biodegradability of the material, promoting more ecological solutions.Furthermore, in the shipbuilding industry, biocomposites can be used in the manufacture of hulls, decks, interiors, and structural components of sport, leisure, and service boats, offering moisture resistance, lightness, and high durability in marine environments.

[003] The developed biocomposite exhibits high-performance mechanical properties, including high tensile, flexural, and impact strength, as well as remarkable thermal stability. These characteristics are obtained thanks to the interaction between the bioepoxy matrix, derived from renewable sources, and curauá fibers (Ananas erectifolius). Petition 870250015534, dated 02 / 25 / 2025, page 9 / 23 / 6 a native plant of the Amazon region, belonging to the Bromeliaceae family. Curauá fibers stand out for their high mechanical resistance, low specific weight, high rigidity and excellent energy absorption capacity, as well as good resistance to wear and thermal degradation. The use of these fibers contributes to the appreciation of local biodiversity and the socio-economic strengthening of communities involved in the cultivation and processing of curauá, promoting sustainable regional development.

[004] The biocomposite manufacturing method is based on the lamination technique, which involves fundamental steps to guarantee the quality of the final material. Initially, the curauá fibers undergo specific surface treatments, such as alkalization, to improve adhesion to the bioepoxy matrix, removing impurities and increasing surface roughness. Then, the controlled arrangement of fiber layers, interspersed with the bioepoxy resin, ensures homogeneous distribution and proper orientation to maximize mechanical performance. The lamination process can be carried out manually or by automated methods, followed by a curing step under optimized temperature and pressure conditions, guaranteeing structural integrity and uniformity of the composite's properties. Rigorous control of each phase is essential to obtain a material with superior technical characteristics.

[005] In addition to the environmental benefits resulting from the use of renewable materials and the reduction of the carbon footprint, the bioepoxy biocomposite reinforced with curauá fiber presents significant economic advantages. The production cost is lower than that of traditional composites based on synthetic fibers, making it a competitive alternative for applications that require high performance combined with sustainability. Furthermore, the lower dependence on fossil resources favors the transition to a more resilient and environmentally responsible circular economy, driving the development of greener industries.

[006] The disposal and recycling of the biocomposite were also considered in the present invention. Surplus or end-of-life materials can be subjected to thermochemical treatments, such as slow pyrolysis. This process allows the recovery of reusable fractions, promoting the recycling of the material without Petition 870250015534, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 10 / 23 / 6 significant environmental impacts, aligning with the principles of sustainability and efficient resource management. Fundamentals of the invention

[007] In a global scenario increasingly oriented towards environmental preservation and the search for sustainable solutions, the demand for composite materials that combine high performance with lower ecological impact is growing. In this context, curauá fiber (Ananas erectifolius), a natural fiber extracted from a plant native to the Amazon region, stands out as a resource with great potential. Its remarkable mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, excellent flexibility, and low density, make it a promising alternative to conventional synthetic fibers, such as glass and carbon fibers. Furthermore, curauá offers additional advantages such as renewability, biodegradability, and lower production costs, factors that contribute to its attractiveness in industrial applications.

[008] In parallel, the development of epoxy resins derived from renewable sources, known as bioepoxy, has emerged as a response to the need to reduce the consumption of petroleum derivatives. Bioepoxy not only offers mechanical properties comparable to traditional petrochemical epoxy resins, but also presents lower toxicity and a reduced carbon footprint throughout its life cycle. The combination of curauá fiber with the bioepoxy matrix results in an innovative composite that integrates superior mechanical strength, lightness, and durability with an environmentally responsible profile. This product represents a significant advance in the development of sustainable materials for various industries, promoting the circular economy and contributing to a greener future. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 illustrates the flowchart of the method for obtaining bioepoxy from the glycerin route as a byproduct of biodiesel. Figure 2 represents the flowchart for obtaining curauá fibers, which may or may not be treated. Petition 870250015534, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 11 / 23 / 6 Figure 3 shows the flowchart for obtaining the biocomposite using a bioepoxy matrix, untreated curauá fibers, and subjected to a pressure of 10 MPa, a temperature of 120°C, and a curing time of 2 hours. Figure 4 shows the flowchart for obtaining the biocomposite using a bioepoxy matrix, treated curauá fibers, and subjected to a pressure of 8 MPa, a temperature of 100°C, and a curing time of 1.5 hours. Figure 5 shows the flowchart for obtaining the biocomposite using a bioepoxy matrix, untreated curauá fibers, and curing under normal temperature and pressure conditions with a polymerization time of 24 hours. Description of the invention

[009] The present invention describes a bio-epoxy biocomposite reinforced with curauá fiber and a method for manufacturing this material. The biocomposite is composed of a bio-epoxy matrix, derived from renewable sources, and curauá fibers, which act as reinforcement. The combination of these materials results in a composite with excellent mechanical, thermal, and environmental properties.

[0010] The bioepoxy matrix is ​​obtained from vegetable oils, such as linseed oil, soybean oil, or other vegetable oils that are chemically modified to form bio-based epoxy resins. These resins exhibit properties similar to conventional epoxy resins, but with the advantage of being biodegradable and of renewable origin.

[0011] The curauá fibers are surface-treated to improve adhesion between the fibers and the bioepoxy matrix. Surface treatment may include processes such as alkalization, acetylation, or silanization, which increase compatibility between the fibers and the matrix, resulting in a material with greater mechanical strength.

[0012] The biocomposite manufacturing method involves the following steps: (1) preparation of curauá fibers, including surface treatment; (2) mixing the fibers with bioepoxy resin and a curing agent; (3) homogenization of the mixture to ensure uniform dispersion of the fibers in the matrix; (4) molding of the composite by Petition 870250015534, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 12 / 23 / 6 lamination, compression or injection; and (5) curing of the material under controlled temperature and pressure conditions.

[0013] The resulting biocomposite exhibits an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, in addition to being lightweight, durable, and biodegradable. The material is suitable for applications in various sectors, such as the manufacture of automotive parts, aeronautical components, building panels, and sustainable packaging. Examples of embodiments of the invention

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the biocomposite was manufactured using a bioepoxy matrix obtained from the glycerin route, derived from processed vegetable oils, and untreated curauá fibers. The lamination process was carried out manually, with the controlled application of the resin onto the fiber layers arranged in specific molds. After complete impregnation of the fibers, the material was cured under a pressure of 10 MPa and a temperature of 120°C for 2 hours. The resulting material exhibited a tensile strength of 85 MPa and a modulus of elasticity of 4.5 GPa, exceeding the values ​​obtained with conventional epoxy and fiberglass composites.

[0015] In another example, the biocomposite was manufactured using a bioepoxy matrix also derived from the glycerin route from processed vegetable oils, combined with curauá fibers treated with NaOH. The lamination process involved the alternating deposition of fiber and resin layers, followed by a compaction process to ensure the elimination of air bubbles and better adhesion between the layers. The laminated material was cured at 100°C under a pressure of 8 MPa for 1.5 hours. The resulting biocomposite exhibited a tensile strength of 78 MPa and an elastic modulus of 4.2 GPa, as well as excellent impact resistance.

[0016] Finally, the biocomposite was manufactured using a bioepoxy matrix also derived from the glycerin route from processed vegetable oils, combined with untreated curauá fibers and cured under normal temperature and pressure conditions with a polymerization time of 24 hours. This method is widely used in the manufacture of special vessel parts that will not have mass production. Petition 870250015534, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 13 / 23 / 6

[0017] Comparative tests have demonstrated that the biocomposite of the invention, manufactured exclusively by lamination processes using bioepoxy derived from the glycerin route, exhibits a 30% reduction in weight compared to conventional epoxy and carbon fiber composites, while maintaining similar mechanical properties. The material also demonstrated thermal stability, with an initial degradation temperature of 280°C, making it suitable for applications in high-temperature environments.

[0018] The preferred embodiment of the invention involves the use of bioepoxy obtained from the glycerin route derived from processed vegetable oils and untreated curauá fibers, applied by means of the manual lamination technique, due to the ideal combination of mechanical and thermal properties obtained with this formulation.

[0019] It is important to emphasize that all the essential information for reproducing the invention is contained in this report, ensuring that a technician skilled in the field can reproduce the biocomposite and the manufacturing method described with fidelity and efficiency. Petition 870250015534, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 14 / 23

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. BIOCOMPOSITE OF BIOEPOXY REINFORCED WITH CURAUÁ FIBER, characterized by being composed of a bioepoxy matrix obtained from the glycerin route derived from transformed vegetable oils, and curauá fibers surface-treated to improve adhesion to the matrix, where the biocomposite presents an excellent strength / weight ratio, being lightweight, durable and biodegradable.

2. BIOCOMPOSITE OF BIOEPOXY REINFORCED WITH CURAUÁ FIBER, according to claim 1, characterized in that the bioepoxy matrix is ​​derived from glycerin obtained from the transformation of vegetable oils, such as linseed oil, soybean oil and other vegetables.

3. BIOCOMPOSITE OF BIOEPOXY REINFORCED WITH CURAUÁ FIBER, according to claim 1, characterized in that the curauá fibers are surface-treated by means of processes such as alkalization, acetylation and other possible processes, to increase the compatibility between the fibers and the bioepoxy matrix. Untreated fibers also showed good results.

4. BIOCOMPOSITE OF BIOEPOXY REINFORCED WITH CURAUÁ FIBER, according to claim 1, characterized by having a tensile strength of at least 75 MPa and a modulus of elasticity of at least 4.0 GPa.

5. METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A BIOEPOXY BIOCOMPOSITE REINFORCED WITH CURAUÁ FIBER, characterized by comprising the steps of: (a) preparation of curauá fibers, including (or not) surface treatment; (b) impregnation of the fibers with a bioepoxy resin derived from the glycerin route and a curing agent; (c) homogenization of the mixture to ensure uniform dispersion of the fibers in the matrix; (d) molding of the composite by lamination; and (e) curing of the material under controlled temperature and pressure conditions. Petition 870250015534, dated 25 / 02 / 2025, page 7 / 23 2 / 2 6. METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A BIOCOMPOSITE OF BIOEPOXY REINFORCED WITH CURAUÁ FIBER, according to claim 5, characterized in that the lamination process is carried out at a temperature between 100°C and 150°C and at a pressure between 5 MPa and 15 MPa.

7. METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A BIOCOMPOSITE OF BIOEPOXY REINFORCED WITH CURAUÁ FIBER, according to claim 5, characterized in that the curing of the material is carried out for a period of 1 to 3 hours, depending on the temperature and pressure conditions.

8. BIOCOMPOSITE OF BIOEPOXY REINFORCED WITH CURAUÁ FIBER, according to claim 1, characterized by being suitable for applications in sectors such as the automotive, aeronautical, civil construction, packaging and sports, leisure and service vessels industries, due to its combination of superior mechanical properties and environmental sustainability.

9. BIOCOMPOSITE OF BIOEPOXY REINFORCED WITH CURAUÁ FIBER, according to claim 1, characterized by having an initial degradation temperature of at least 250°C, making it thermally stable for applications in high-temperature environments.

10. BIOCOMPOSITE OF BIOEPOXY REINFORCED WITH CURAUÁ FIBER, according to claim 1, characterized by being biodegradable and derived from renewable raw materials, contributing to the reduction of environmental impact compared to conventional epoxy and synthetic fiber composites. Petition 870250015534, dated 02 / 25 / 2025, page 8 / 23

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