The processes for obtaining and characterizing polyester resin (R) matrix and cement powder (C) load composites were studied. Four composites were defined by the cement-to-resin mass ratio: 1.0R+0.25C, 1.0R+0.50C, 1.0R+0.75C and 1.0R+1.0C. The selected manufacturing method was the wet compression molding. The composites were characterized by determining their tensile, flexural and impact strengths, density, water absorption levels, thermal and aging properties. The composite that presented the greater economic feasibility was 1.0R+1.0C. The cement was found to have a filler load function. All composites showed lower mechanical strength compared to the matrix, with proportional decrease to the increased cement powder, with 50% loss in tensile strength, 78% in flexural strength and 11.54% in impact strength for 1.0R+1.0C. In this study, a 1.5 m2 table was manufactured by this composite (1.0R+1.0C). The cost for manufacturing the synthetic stone was lower than marble and granite stones, demonstrating the economic feasibility of the composites.

Resumo Apresenta-se o estudo de viabilidade de utilização, como reforço em materiais compósitos poliméricos, de resíduos originados da manufatura dos painéis de MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), avaliando seu potencial como alternativa em substituição a cargas minerais para aplicação industrial. A escolha da resina poliéster ortoftálica foi motivada pelas suas propriedades e principalmente pelo seu baixo custo e facilidade de aquisição. Diferentes frações mássicas (m) de adição de resíduo em resina poliéster ortoftálica foram estudadas: 0, 10, 15 e 20%. As propriedades analisadas foram: resistência mecânica, absorção de água e grau de cristalinidade. Os resultados mostram a diminuição das propriedades mecânicas em até 53%, no índice de cristalinidade em até 18% e aumento no índice de absorção de água em quase cinco vezes para o compósito de maior adição de resíduo (C20).

Abstract The study examines the feasibility of using MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) waste as reinforcement in orthophthalic polyester resin, evaluating its potential as an alternative to mineral filler for industrial applications. The orthophthalic resin was chosen because it’s good performance, low cost and easily obtainable. Three composite compositions were prepared containing different amount of waste MDF (10, 15 and 20%). The mechanical properties, degree of crystallinity and water absorption of the resin and its respective composites were evaluated. The results show a decrease in mechanical strength and crystallinity index followed by an increase in water absorption index caused by poor adhesion in the region of the polymer matrix fiber interface.

The growing demand for panels of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) for manufacture of furniture produces significant quantities of waste, which is often inappropriate discarded. This paper presents the study of the characterization of a polymeric matrix composite reinforced with powdered MDF residues collected from cuts machines for furniture manufacturing. Samples of the composites having waste mass fractions (m) in the range of 0-20% in resin Terephthalic (E) were studied. Through mechanical and physical tests the maximum tensile and flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, maximum deformation, composite density and water absorption index were determined. A result of characterization tests confirms the viability of composite when compared to others composites using natural fibers as reinforcement or load.