Preparation and Characterization of Biocomposites based on Polyolefin Matrix and Vegetable Peel as Reinforcements

Abstract

Biodegradable biocomposite materials are gaining importance due to sustainability, industrial ecology and green chemistry in addition to low cost, light weight and better mechanical strength. Depletion of fossil fuel resources, environmental awareness, government directives and initiatives to lower carbon footprint, are the major drivers for research and development of new renewable materials which are also degradable. Different parts of agricultural crops are foreseen as viable source for raw material to be used as reinforcements or fillers in preparing composites. In regions, where forest resources are scarce, biomass from agricultural crops has been utilized for development of polymer composites. Agricultural wastes such as paddy husk, jute, coir, banana fibre, sisal and sugar cane bagasse are abundantly available in countries like India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Brazil. Availability of natural fibres, ease of processing and the major option of replacing synthetic polymer to some extent are factors in favour of developing biocomposites. newlinePotato peels from food processing industry contributes to major portion of the waste and represents a severe disposal problem to potato industry, since they are prone to microbial spoilage. Potato peel generally contains starch, cellulose and other ingredients required to qualify as filler in polyolefin biocomposites to give better physical and mechanical strength. The aim of the thesis is therefore to utilize waste potato-peels as such as filler in various polyolefin matrices, so as to replace synthetic polymer to some extent and prepare eco-friendly biocomposites. The objective is also to characterize their physico-mechanical properties and carry out their degradation studies. newlineWaste plastic disposal is a major environmental issue worldwide. Pyrolysis is an effective tool to convert plastic to liquid fuel. Pyrolysis of biomass yields liquid oil with high oxygen content and thereby low heating value. However, copyrolysis of plastic with biomass yields oil of low oxygen ...