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Biodegradation of Coir and Sisal Applied in the Automotive Industry

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Abstract

This paper discusses the results of biodegradability tests of natural fibers used by the automotive industry, namely: coir, coir with latex, and sisal. The biodegradation of coir, coir with latex, and of sisal fibers was determined by monitoring the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) (IBAMA—E.1.1.2, 1988) and fungal growth (DIN 53739, 1984). The contents of total extractives, lignin, holocellulose, ashes, carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen of the fibers under study were determined in order to ascertain their actual content and to understand the results of the biodegradation tests. The production of CO2 indicated low biodegradation, i.e., about 10% in mass, for all the materials after 45 days of testing; in other words, no material inhibited glucose degradation. However, the percentage of sisal fiber degradation was fourfold higher than that of coir with latex in the same period of aging. The fungal growth test showed a higher growth rate on sisal fibers, followed by coir without latex. In the case of coir with latex, we believe the fungal growth was not intense, because natural latex produces a bactericide or fungicide for its preservation during bleeding [1]. An evaluation of the materials after 90 days of aging tests revealed breaking of the fibers, particularly sisal and coir without latex, indicating fungal attack and biodegradation processes.

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Notes

  1. O. J. Morassi (Mercedes Benz do Brasil, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil, personal communication, 1999).

  2. L. F. Silva (Biotechnology Group, Chemistry Division, IPT, São Paulo, personal communication, 2002).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. São Paulo Agency of Technology of the Agro-businesses, Secretariat of Agriculture and Supplying of the State of São Paulo, Rua Alberto Coral, 1500, Bairro Vila Fátima, Caixa Postal 28, Piracicaba, SP, CEP 13412-050, Brazil

    V. L. P. Salazar

  2. Department of Natural Resources, Faculdade Ciências Agronômicas de Botucatu/UNESP, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, Fazenda Lageado, Caixa Postal 237, Botucatu, SP, CEP 18610-307, Brazil

    A. L. Leão

  3. Postgraduate Program in Nanoscience and Advanced Materials, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Rua Catequese, 242, 9° andar, Centro, Santo André, SP, CEP 09090-400, Brazil

    D. S. Rosa

  4. Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Biotechnology Group, Chemistry Division, IPT, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas do Estado de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, 532, Cid. Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-901, Brazil

    J. G. C. Gomez & R. C. P. Alli

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  1. V. L. P. Salazar
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  2. A. L. Leão
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  3. D. S. Rosa
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Correspondence to V. L. P. Salazar.

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Salazar, V.L.P., Leão, A.L., Rosa, D.S. et al. Biodegradation of Coir and Sisal Applied in the Automotive Industry. J Polym Environ 19, 677–688 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-011-0315-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-011-0315-3

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