USE OF CORN STALK WASTE IN THE MANUFACTURING OF COMPOSITES: A REVIEW (Atena Editora)

Abstract

The global increase in demand for natural resources raises urgent concerns about environmental sustainability. The transition to renewable natural materials, such as lignocellulosic fibers, is a promising strategy to mitigate environmental impacts. These fibers, derived from renewable sources, have low density and unique mechanical properties, making them attractive alternatives to synthetic materials. Composites reinforced by natural fibers have gained prominence, providing mechanical resistance and reducing costs. Waste such as corn stalk, abundant throughout the world, has been studied as reinforcement in composites. The use of these fibers not only offers environmental advantages, such as biodegradability and lower energy demand in production, but also contributes to the promotion of sustainable practices. Additionally, research shows that waste corn residue can be turned into valuable resources. Studies conducted with corn stalk husk revealed superior performance in composites, indicating its potential as a reinforcing material. Other research involving sliced culm demonstrated promising results, highlighting the economic viability and possibility of developing a new low-density engineering material. Therefore, the use of natural fibers, such as those from corn stalks, in composites represents not only an environmentally friendly solution, but also an opportunity for innovation in the production of sustainable materials, which will be the reason for this review.