FacebookTwitterGoogle Plus

Research

Research Lines

Bamboo, The Industry of The Future

Brazil has the largest bamboo biodiversity of the Americas and one of the largest in the world, with more than 230 native bamboo species that have been accompanied the development of human settlement and civilizations since ancient times. Because of its physical and mechanical characteristics, Bamboo can be used as an alternative option for concrete and steel in the construction industry and as raw material for the production of engineered composites.Several research programs have been carried out at the BioSMat Research Center in order to explore bamboo potentials for civil construction. The ongoing studies are focused on the durability and preservative treatment techniques, the use of bamboo for particleboards production and as reinforcement for fiber-cement composites.

Thermal Comfort

Roofing systems and shading used in animal production, with an emphasis on alternative materials and techniques.
Correlation between the microclimate created by the rural buildings, animal performance (physiological, behavioral and productivity) and economic viability of animal activity.

Fibercement

Utilization of agricultural and industrial wastes for the achievement of cost-efficient raw materials, employment of unskilled labor force, low initial investments in the production line, waste mitigation and their corresponding environmental benefits.

Particleboards

Utilization of agro-industrial residues (coconut husks, peanut hulls, sisal and sugarcane bagasse, e.g.), in the manufacturing of particle boards in order to add value to these materials.

Ashes and Mineral Additions

Utilization of ashes (e.g., those obtained from the controlled burning of sugar cane bagasse, rice husks, chicken and pig bedding) and other mineral additions for application in cementitious materials.

Lightweight Concrete

Evaluation of using red ceramic and industrial waste in the production of artificial lightweight aggregate for application in structural concrete.

Ceramic Materials

Synthesis, processing and characterization of composites and nano-composites of materials based on ceramic matrices  with high mechanical strength and wear resistance for use in agricultural implements, cutting tools and biomaterials.