Biocomposite of Euterpe oleracea Mart and Cocos nucifera l. : Sustainable Materials

Brazil is recognized for its vast biodiversity and abundance of natural resources, many of which are still underutilized. In an effort to promote sustainability and innovation, there is a growing movement to replace non-recyclable materials with ecological alternatives. Within this context, acai leaves (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and coconut leaves (Cocos nucifera L.) appear as potential natural reinforcements in polymer composites. This study aims to evaluate the mechanical properties of composites formed by these sheets, using polyester resin as the matrix phase. Tensile strength tests were conducted on specimens, following the ASTM D 638M standard, to determine the mechanical properties of the composites. The results obtained were compared with data from the existing literature in order to validate the effectiveness of the composites produced. Additionally, fractures in the specimens were visually analyzed for a better understanding of the failure mechanisms.