Estudo da fibra de coco para confecção de recipientes biodegradáveis

Abstract

The most used containers for the production of forest seedlings are derived from petroleum, however, new alternatives that cause less impact on the environment have been gaining ground in the sector, combined with the rational use of irrigation water. The evolution of containers for the production of quality forest seedlings has improved the system. Faced with environmental problems, mainly caused by the raw material of polyethylene tubes, there is a search for alternative containers, such as biodegradable ones, which can be planted with the seedling. In this perspective, the objective of this study was to evaluate the technical (physical) viability of the biodegradable container made with coconut fiber. Parameters such as pH, chemical composition of the fiber, integrity of the tubes with and without substrate and the influence of the adhesive (glue) made of starch on the composition of the containers were evaluated. Of the three treatments with different doses of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), treatment 1 without addition of NaHCO3, treatment 2 with addition of 3 g. of NaHCO3 and treatment 3 with the addition of 6g. of NaHCO3, the recipients from treatment 1, without adding NaHCO3, showed characteristics with better quality under the conditions in which the tests were carried out, demonstrating that they are more apt for the seedling production cycle. The starch glue proved to be satisfactory, preventing the tubes from losing shape, to the point of breaking, making their use unfeasible in the evaluated time. In the chemical tests, the presence of important substances for the development of the seedlings was identified in the composition of the tubes. Coir fiber is predominantly composed of water, only 12% is a mixture of fiber and powder. It was also verified that the presence of NaHCO3 in the composition of the glue interfered in the processes of absorption and loss of moisture by the containers.