Study of the Properties of a Biodegradable Polymer Filled with Different Wood Flour Particles.

Francisco Parres,Miguel Angel Peydro,Marina P Arrieta,David Juarez,Miguel Aldas

doi:10.3390/polym12122974

Abstract

Lignocellulosic wood flour particles with three different sizes were used to reinforce Solanyl® type bioplastic in three compositions (10, 20, and 30 wt.%) and further processed by melt-extrusion and injection molding to simulate industrial conditions. The wood flour particles were morphologically and granulometric analyzed to evaluate their use as reinforcing filler. The Fuller method on wood flour particles was successfully applied and the obtained results were subsequently corroborated by the mechanical characterization. The rheological studies allowed observing how the viscosity was affected by the addition of wood flour and to recover information about the processing conditions of the biocomposites. Results suggest that all particles can be employed in extrusion processes (shear rate less than 1000 s−1). However, under injection molding conditions, biocomposites with high percentages of wood flour or excessively large particles may cause an increase in defective injected-parts due to obstruction of the gate in the mold. From a processing point of view and based on the biocomposites performance, the best combination resulted in Solanyl® type biopolymer reinforced with wood flour particles loaded up to 20 wt.% of small and medium particles size. The obtained biocomposites are of interest for injected molding parts for several industrial applications.

Highlights

The consumption of polymers has been steadily increasing since they first appeared
The most significant problem with traditional polymers is the amount of plastic waste, those coming from short-term applications such as packaging
A high amount of plastic wastes is recycled every year, there still is a great problem regarding the large number of plastic wastes that finishes in landfills

Summary

Introduction

The consumption of polymers has been steadily increasing since they first appeared. It would be difficult to imagine life today without these materials. The most significant problem with traditional polymers is the amount of plastic waste, those coming from short-term applications such as packaging. A high amount of plastic wastes is recycled every year, there still is a great problem regarding the large number of plastic wastes that finishes in landfills. Despite the existence of photodegradable and biodegradable polymers, the design of many landfills is not efficient [2]. For this reason, recycling, reuse, composting, and incineration seem to be the most environmentally and feasible way to reduce plastic waste after their useful life. There is a special scientific interest in the use of more sustainable polymers in the packaging field

Methods

Results

Conclusion