Upgrading Argan Shell Wastes in Wood Plastic Composites with Biobased Polyethylene Matrix and Different Compatibilizers

Abstract

The present study reports on the development of wood plastic composites (WPC) based on micronized argan shell (MAS) as a filler and high-density polyethylene obtained from sugarcane (Bio-HDPE), following the principles proposed by the circular economy in which the aim is to achieve zero waste by the introduction of residues of argan as a filler. The blends were prepared by extrusion and injection molding processes. In order to improve compatibility between the argan particles and the green polyolefin, different compatibilizers and additional filler were used, namely polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA 3 wt.-%), maleinized linseed oil (MLO 7.5 phr), halloysite nanotubes (HNTs 7.5 phr), and a combination of MLO and HNTs (3.75 phr each). The mechanical, morphological, thermal, thermomechanical, colorimetric, and wettability properties of each blend were analyzed. The results show that MAS acts as a reinforcing filler, increasing the stiffness of the Bio-HDPE, and that HNTs further increases this reinforcing effect. MLO and PE-g-MA, altogether with HNTs, improve the compatibility between MAS and Bio-HDPE, particularly due to bonds formed between oxygen-based groups present in each compound. Thermal stability was also improved provided by the addition of MAS and HNTs. All in all, reddish-like brown wood plastic composites with improved stiffness, good thermal stability, enhanced compatibility, and good wettability properties were obtained.

Upgrading Recycled Polypropylene from Textile Wastes in Wood Plastic Composites with Short Hemp Fiber

“…Finally, the band at 1462 cm −1 is due to the C-H bending vibration, while the absorption peaks at 1862 and 1784 cm −1 are attributed to the anhydride groups. Similar results have been reported by Jorda-Reolid et al [84] for this type of natural compatibilizer.…”

Contribution to a Circular Economy Model: From Lignocellulosic Wastes from the Extraction of Vegetable Oils to the Development of a New Composite

“…On the contrary, the rest of samples had positive values due to the characteristic brown colour of chia seed flour [ 99 ]. Higher values of a* coordinate have been reported by Jorda-Reolid et al [ 100 ] who employed Bio-HDPE with argan shell wastes. In this study a higher a* value above 5 was reported, thus a reddish brown colour was obtained [ 100 ].…”

“…Higher values of a* coordinate have been reported by Jorda-Reolid et al [ 100 ] who employed Bio-HDPE with argan shell wastes. In this study a higher a* value above 5 was reported, thus a reddish brown colour was obtained [ 100 ]. Referring to colour coordinate b*, it is an indicative of blue to yellow colours.…”

Manufacturing and Characterization of High‐Density Polyethylene Composites with Active Fillers from Persimmon Peel Flour with Improved Antioxidant Activity and Hydrophobicity

“…[ 47,63 ] It can be observed that Bio‐HDPE presents a glass transition temperature (identified by the peak of the γ‐transition) with a value of ‐115 °C and the α‐transition at a temperature of ≈50 °C, which are consistent with the results reported by Jorda‐Reolid, Gomez‐Caturla. [ 64 ] The addition of PPF leads to a small decrease in the glass transition temperature by about 3 °C, due to the increased interaction between the PPF particles and the matrix, as above‐mentioned. A decrease in the intensity of the γ‐relaxation peak can be observed due to the increased internal friction caused by the PPF, which restricts the movement of the polyethylene chains.…”