| Title |
Preparation and characterization of a sustainable foamed biocomposite from compatibilized recycled polyethylene and agave fiber |
| ID_Doc |
12137 |
| Authors |
Inga-Lafebre, JD; Hernández, E; Vázquez-Lepe, MO; Jasso-Gastinel, CF; González-Núñez, R |
| Title |
Preparation and characterization of a sustainable foamed biocomposite from compatibilized recycled polyethylene and agave fiber |
| Year |
2024 |
| Published |
Polymer Bulletin, 81.0, 14 |
| DOI |
10.1007/s00289-024-05321-x |
| Abstract |
In this study, a sustainable biocomposite foamed recycled high-density polyethylene (rPE) with agave fiber at different compositions (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%) with and without compatibilizer and a blowing agent were prepared using a twin-screw extruder, demonstrating an innovative use of waste materials. Samples for static and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests were prepared by injection molding. Additionally, characterization by capillary rheology, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and morphological studies was performed. For the prepared composites, the viscosity increases, while the melt flow index decreases with fiber content. Tensile and flexural properties increase with fiber content. For the composite with 30 wt% of fiber, the tensile modulus and the flexural modulus increased by 54% compared with pure recycled HDPE, while the tensile and flexural strength for this composition increased by 8.7% and 33%, respectively. The same trends are obtained by means of the DMA study, where the storage modulus of the modified composite with 30 wt% of agave fiber increased 70% compared with that of recycled HDPE at 20 degrees C. The improvements in properties obtained with agave fiber and the compatibilizer, show tangible recovery ways for foamed recycled HDPE. This work not only addresses the critical need for sustainable material options, but also contributes to the circular economy by valorizing agricultural and post-consumer waste. The potential applications of this biocomposite are broad, including lightweight building materials and automotive components, where sustainability and material performance are increasingly a priority. [GRAPHICS] . |
| Author Keywords |
Sustainable biocomposite; Recycled HDPE; Agave fiber; Foams; Mechanical properties |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) |
| EID |
WOS:001236855900001 |
| WoS Category |
Polymer Science |
| Research Area |
Polymer Science |
| PDF |
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