Page 17 - PR 2014 2016 03 Applications of Ionizing Radiations

Applications of Ionizing Radiations | Progress Report 59

as an agent of sterilization and impregnating icon dioxide – used with PA 6 were explored.
of silver nanoparticles. Moreover, their density and properties in
terms of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
were evaluated. Additional mechanical tests
such as tensile strength, elongation at break
and impact resistance were also carried out.
The tests concluded both compounds (PA 6
with colloidal silicon dioxide and PA 6 with
talc) demonstrated the same behavior. The
results have demonstrated that colloidal sili-
con dioxide may be viable alternative filler for
replacing talc as mineral filler in polyamide
6 compounds. Thus, this work contributes to
minimizing environmental problems by en-
abling the use of colloidal silicon dioxide in
the productive process.

Investigation of the effect of ionizing radiation
on composites based on biodegradable
polymers and coconut fiber

Product development and improvement has
a crucial role to play in the further develop-
ment of the biodegradable polymers market.
Biodegradable polymers can be found in a
wide range of end use markets. Continued
Figure 24. Polyurethane Catheters.
progress in terms of product development
and cost reduction is required before they can
Mechanical and thermal comparison analyses effectively compete with conventional plastics
in polyamide 6 compounds with talc mineral for mainstream applications. And, the addition
filler and colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil) of natural fibers to polymer blends can lead to

physical properties improvement and also can
In order to have sustainable development, it is diminish cost.
very desirable that the possibilities of obtain- Additionally, it
ing ecologically acceptable raw materials that will reduce the
increase dimensional properties and reduce amount of agri-
cost in the industrial sector are explored. In business waste
this sense, the possibility of replacing mineral disposal in the
talc powder with the colloidal silicon dioxide environment.
(AEROSIL®) as a mineral filler in polyamide 6 In Brazil, coco-
(PA 6) compounds was tested. Colloidal silicon nut production
dioxide is an amorphous substance with low is around 1.5 Figure 25. Scanning Electron Micros-
density that satisfies consumer demands. In billion fruits by copy (SEM) image of PCL:PLLA 20:80
(w:w) 10% of acetylated coconut fiber
this study, both fillers – talc and colloidal sil- year in a cultivat- composite.