Recycling of biodegradable biobased polymer/agave fiber biocomposites

Abstract

Biodegradable biobased polymers are a promising solution to reduce the dependence on conventional plastics and minimize their environmental impact. This work evaluated the recycling capacity of a biodegradable polymer (MaterBi) and its composite with agave fibers. The materials were reprocessed by several cycles using compression molding. Service life simulation was performed using accelerated weathering. Samples from each reprocessing cycle were characterized in terms of melt flow index (MFI), color, porosity, water absorption, compostability, and mechanical and thermal properties. The MFI of MaterBi increased with each cycle, going from 3.5 to 95 g/10 min for the first to sixth cycles and from 2 to 117 g/10 min for the first and fourth cycles for the biocomposite. Reprocessing produced chain scission and modified the thermal and mechanical properties. MaterBi exhibited competitive mechanical properties compared to conventional polymers, even after four reprocessing cycles (tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of 27, 55 MPa, and 30 J/m). Besides potential cost reductions, the agave fiber addition positively affected the tensile and flexural modulus, which remained after the fourth cycle in 1100 and 2300 MPa. The results confirmed that MaterBi and its biocomposites can be recycled for several cycles, extending their useful life before final biodegradation.Highlights MaterBi (MB) and its agave fiber biocomposites are suitable for reprocessing. MB tensile and flexural properties remained stable after four reprocessing cycles. Agave fibers make MB more prone to weathering, impacting its properties. MB and its biocomposites degrade in water and compost conditions.