Abstract
Cellulose pulps in cementitious matrix have been investigated because of their high tensile strength, which improves the mechanical properties of the composites. Nonetheless, the material's hydrophilic nature could impair cement and potentially diminish the durability of the compound. In this work, to improve physical-mechanical performance of fiber cement produced with cellulose, the surface of the cellulose pulp was modified by sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) plasma treatment at different conditions (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 Torr). Fiber cement composite was subsequently produced from treated pulps. Theoretical calculations suggested that cellulose interacts with SF6 molecules through adsorption. The cellulose pulps were evaluated using spectroscopy, diffractometry and water affinity techniques. The physical and mechanical properties of the composites produced were evaluated before and after accelerated ageing cycles. The surface modification of cellulose pulp by SF6 plasma treatment was viable and suitable. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy showed the presence of specific bands related to C-Fx bonds. An exchange of behavior of the cellulose pulp occurred, transitioning from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. After 192 hours of analysis, moisture absorption was reduced by 15.28%, 13.99%, 8.30%, and 14.05% for the 0.1SF6, 0.3SF6, 0.5SF6, and 0.7SF6 treatments, respectively. Only the 0.1SF6 treatment yielded satisfactory results for all mechanical properties assessed, including rupture modulus (MOR), elasticity modulus (MOE), limit of proportionality (LOP), and toughness, when compared to untreated cellulose pulp. The positive results were particularly evident following accelerated ageing cycles, as the properties were either maintained (MOR, LOP) or improved (MOE, toughness). Therefore, this treatment is recommended for the intended application.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the Technological Plasma Laboratory (LaPTec) of the São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), the Crystallography Laboratory of the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFEI), the Physics Laboratory, Wood Anatomy Laboratory, Nanotechnology Laboratory, Laboratory of Electron Microscopy and Ultra-structural Analysis (LME) and Laboratory of Computational Chemistry at Federal University of Lavras (UFLA) for enabling the production, treatment and characterization of the samples. The authors would also like to thank the financial support of Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais – FAPEMIG (CAG - APQ - 01644-15) and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES.
Funding
This research work was funded by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais – FAPEMIG (CAG – APQ – 01644-15) and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES.
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Schiavi, L.S. de O. developed all stages of the research work reported here, wrote the text, prepared figures and participated in the review process. Gonçalves, M. A. and Ramalho, T. C. developed the theoretical simulation analysis involved in the work, together with Schiavi, L.S. de O., participated in the writing of the text concerning this stage of the work and in the revision process. Silva, A. de O. D., Rangel, E. C. provided laboratory infrastructure for the application of plasma in the studied samples, participated in the discussions and guidance of the investigative methodological process. Mendes, R. F. provided laboratory infrastructure for the preparation of studied samples, evaluation of mechanical characteristics, actively participated in the discussions and guidance of the investigative methodological process and also in the writing of the text concerning this stage of the work, as well as in the review process.
Vaz, L. E. V. de S. B. guided the research work described, participating in each stage of conducting, discussions, writing and reviewing the text.
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Schiavi, L., Gonçalves, M.A., Delgado-Silva, A. et al. Properties of fiber cement reinforced with cellulose pulp modified by plasma treatment with sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Cellulose (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-024-05885-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-024-05885-x