Abstract
This work investigates the feasibility of using coffee silverskin (CSS) as a reinforcing agent in biobased polyethylene (BioPE) composites, by adding it in bulk and thin film samples. The effect of two different treatments, alkali bleaching (CSS_A) and esterification with palmitoyl chloride (CSS_P), on mechanical, thermal, morphological and water absorption behavior of produced materials at different CSS loading (10, 20 and 30 wt %) was investigated. A reactive graft copolymerization of BioPE with maleic anhydride was considered in the case of alkali treated CSS. It was found that, when introduced in bulk samples, improvement in the elastic modulus and a reduction in strain at maximum stress were observed with the increase in CSS fraction for the untreated and treated CSS composites, while the low aspect ratio of the CSS particles and their poor adhesion with the polymeric matrix were responsible for reduced ductility in films, decreasing crystallinity values and reduction of elastic moduli. When CSS_A and CSS_P are introduced in the matrix, a substantial reduction in the water uptake is also obtained in films, mainly due to presence of maleated PE, that builds up some interactions to eliminate the amounts of OH groups and hydrophobized CSS, due to the weakened absorption capacity of the functionalized CSS.
Highlights
In the last years, a strong increase in environmental concerns has arisen
The results showed increased hydrophobicity on spent coffee ground (SCG) by treatment with palmitoyl chloride, leading to a composite with balanced mechanical and thermal properties
The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of biobased polyethylene (BioPE)-based composites containing up to a 30wt % of waste coffee silverskin deriving from coffee production
Summary
A strong increase in environmental concerns has arisen. This fact, together with the continuous increase in petroleum prices and the overall depletion of fossil fuels have led to intensive research on the development of environmentally friendly materials [1]. The use of natural fillers/reinforcements into polymeric matrices could lead to multiple advantages, such as clear cost reduction, lightness and good balance on mechanical properties, and a marked low environmental impact as well, due to the use of renewable materials [3]. For these reasons some technological sectors such as aerospace, automotive, building among others and other sectors, such as packaging, have shown a clear interest on these materials [4,5,6]. The hydrophilic nature of the filler/reinforcement leads to aggregate formation
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