MORPHOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL, AND THERMAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TOBACCO STALK FOR APPLICATION IN COMPOSITE MATERIALS

The main objective of this study is to analyze the use tobacco stalk develop new composite materials. For purpose, tests and analyses were carried out characterize morphological, thermal, chemical properties, as well obtain structural information about plant waste. Morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermogravimetry (TGA) used mass loss temperature degradation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) applied determine composition. SEM showed presence filling components such parenchyma vascular elements xylem. FTIR absorbed water primary secondary aliphatic alcohols identified in cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, carboxylic acids, among other substances. TGA cellulose degradation between 250 350 °C. test results indicate that stalks can be materials fillers.