Thermal, Morphological and Mechanical Properties of a BioPE Matrix Composite: Case of Shell, Pulp, and Argan Cake as Biofillers

Abstract

Extrusion and hot compressing molding processes were used to create bio-polyethylene (BioPE) composites reinforced with argan byproducts (shell, pulp, and argan cake) as bio-fillers. The thermal stability of the composites wass analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Dynamical mechanical analysis and rheological testing were used to investigate their mechanical properties. The morphological results showed a good adhesion between the argan and BioPE matrix. More efficient mechanical properties have been distinguished in the case of argan byproduct-based composite. A higher Young’s modulus was noted for all the biocomposites compared to pure BioPE. Thermal analysis revealed that the addition of bio-filler to polymer reduced decomposition temperatures. This study provides an ecological alternative for upgrading the valorization of abundant and underutilized Moroccan biomass. Furthermore, the possibility of using argan byproducts in composite manufacturing will help open up new markets for what is currently considered waste.

Toward Producing Biopolyethylene/Babassu Fiber Biocomposites with Improved Mechanical and Thermomechanical Properties

“…In addition to natural fibers, the use of bio-based polymer matrices, whether biodegradable or not, has been investigated to obtain commercially viable, entirely bio-based (biocomposites) with improved properties. These materials bring a very high ecological degree during their production process and are applied in various applications, such as aerospace, domestic, and automotive, among others [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Biopolymers such as poly (lactic acid) PLA, Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have been gaining prominence, and they are widely used in the manufacture of biocomposites [19].…”