Painéis agroindustriais desenvolvidos a partir de resíduos da coroa do abacaxi com resina de poliuretano à base do óleo de mamona.

Abstract

This study presents the development of composite panels produced with pineapple crown fibers and castor-oil-based polyurethane resin, aiming at the sustainable use of agro-industrial residues. The fibers underwent mercerization, bleaching and use in their natural state, allowing the assessment of how each treatment affects chemical composition, morphology and fiber–matrix adhesion. The panels were characterized through mechanical testing, water absorption, thermal analyses, apparent density, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that alkaline treatment significantly improved interfacial adhesion, increasing mechanical strength and reducing hygroscopicity. Thermal stability and morphological evidence confirmed the effectiveness of the treatments. According to ABNT NBR 15316 (MDF) and NBR 14810 (MDP) standards, the panels resemble low-density MDF, suitable for indoor and decorative applications. Comparison with natural-fiber composites reported in the literature demonstrates competitive performance and sustainable potential.