Characterization of Polymeric Composite Reinforced with Moringa oleifera Pod Fibers

The concern for the rational use of natural resources and the search for sustainability is a hallmark of the 21st century. Manufacturers from various sectors aim to diversify the materials used in their projects, which predominantly rely on non-renewable resources. An alternative involves composite materials based on natural fibers, known as biocomposites, that reinforce currently used high-performance polymers. In the present study, composites were prepared based on a commercial polypropylene (PP) matrix and reinforced with Moringa oleifera pod fibers. These compounds were characterized by tensile tests, three-point bending, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA) and fracture analysis by optical microscopy. The addition of vegetable fibers increased the initial degradation temperature of the composite by 4 ºC compared to PP while the melting temperature decreased by 11 ºC, indicating compatibility between the matrix and the reinforcing agent. Although there was little dispersion in the sampling of mechanical properties data, the results indicate that these properties were inferior to similar biocomposites cataloged to date and even to commercial polypropylene. These variations were investigated through optical microscopy analysis focusing on the distribution of plant fibers in the matrix, particle size and analysis of fractured surfaces to assess fiber-matrix adhesion. The use of plant fibers such as Moringa oleifera not only provides an alternative to non-renewable materials but also promotes global sustainability by repurposing biodegradable natural waste.