ANATOMICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF AÇAÍ FRUIT FIBER AS AN ALTERNATIVE RAW MATERIAL IN ECOPANELS PRODUCTION

In the metropolitan region of Belém (PA) alone, around 16,000 tons of seeds from agroindustrial residues, originating from the fruit of açaí juice, are produced, discarded, or used per day as a source of energy in boilers. Aiming to find a sustainable and conscious use of these residues, the objective was to characterize the fibers of the açaí fruit (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) physically, chemically, and anatomically and evaluate its potential for use in the production of medium density particle boards (MDP). Three processes were carried out to obtain and treat the fibers: biological, chemical, and mechanical. Additionally, anatomical, physical, and chemical analyses (lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose) were carried out. The results obtained were compared with other vegetablefibers from the Amazon, referenced mainly in the production of particulate panels based on lignocellulosic agro-industrial residues. The removal of hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, and waxes was performed through a chemical process with an aqueous 0.5% NaOHsolution, leading to the development of a rougher surface and better interfacial adhesion. Considering the anatomical characterization, vascular tissue made up of tracheids, sclereids, and fibrosclereids was observed. The sheath of this bundle is formed by fibrosclereids with numerous stegmata inserted along its walls. The sclereids and associated fibrotracheids have several appendages, usually in the terminal portions of these cells, resulting from intrusive growth. These appendages fit together, constituting one of the elements responsible for forming composites. Such results indicate the potential of açaí fiber as a raw material in the production of particleboard Ecopanels.