Feasibility of Cherry Pit Particles as a Natural Reinforcement in Polypropylene

Abstract

Using natural materials as reinforcements for polypropylene to alter composite properties and cost is a well-known approach. Often, wood particles are used for that. These give reasonable reinforcement, but are also sought after by other industries, e.g., for energy production, and may also not be available everywhere. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate cherry pit particles as an alternative material for polypropylene reinforcement. Cherry pits originate as a by-product from fruit processing and have not been utilized until now as reinforcement. Cherry pit particles were produced by milling the pits, and afterwards composites were produced by compounding and injection molding. Mechanical properties and melt flow were investigated. We found some reinforcement effect, but to a lesser extent than wood particles. The cherry pit particles contain some fatty acid components, which reduce tensile properties and increase the melt flow rate of the composites. For future applications, methods for reducing these fatty acids to improve reinforcement capabilities should be investigated.