Poly(lactic Acid) and Acai Fiber composite

development and potential as a biomaterial with local resources

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29147/datjournal.v11i2.1041

Keywords:

materials, Waste, processes, Design and Sustainability, biodiversity

Abstract

The acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) production chain is vital for the Brazilian Amazon, yet the high generation of waste poses a significant environmental and social challenge. The present article reports experimental practices for the development of polymer composites, with a Poly(lactic acid) matrix and Acai Fiber reinforcement, processed by extrusion and thermal pressing. The color variation between the samples was evaluated using the CIELab system. This research demonstrates how design, in dialogue with materials engineering, can propose innovative solutions to complex issues, creating value beyond mere function. The study highlights the role of design in formulating solutions within a challenging local context and its potential for environmental and social impact, providing a new direction for the acai production chain. Results show samples with variations in color and texture, confirming the technical viability of the solution and reinforcing the academic value of the research as a contribution to disciplinary knowledge.

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Author Biographies

Lauro Cohen, Centro Universitário Senac

É professor de Design do Centro Universitário Senac (SP). Bacharel em Design (2019) pela Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA) e Mestre em Design (2022) pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Design (PPGD) da Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais (UEMG). Possui trabalhos que abordam a identidade regional e a sustentabilidade por meio de experimentações com matérias-primas alternativas. Tem interesse em trabalhos que envolvam cultura material, educação, processos produtivos, materiais alternativos e Design na Amazônia.

Eliane Ayres, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais

É bolsista de Produtividade CNPq em Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e Extensão Inovadora - DT - 2. Graduada em Engenharia Química pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, mestrado e doutorado em Engenharia Metalúrgica e de Minas, pela Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Professora de ensino superior nível VII-E da Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais (UEMG) no Departamento de Formação Tecnológica e professora permanente do Programa de Pós-Graduação strictu sensu em Design (PPGD) da UEMG. Orientou projeto ganhador do XXVI Prêmio Jovem Cientista e projeto contemplado com menção honrosa no prêmio MERCOSUL de Ciência e Tecnologia. É uma das inventoras da patente ganhadora do prêmio Patente do Ano, conferido pela Associação Brasileira da Propriedade Industrial em 2022.

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Published

2026-08-28

How to Cite

Cohen, L., & Ayres, E. (2026). Poly(lactic Acid) and Acai Fiber composite: development and potential as a biomaterial with local resources. DAT Journal, 11(2), 212–229. https://doi.org/10.29147/datjournal.v11i2.1041

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Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026): Design, Art and Technology

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