pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S06 - Biopolymers and Polymer from Renewable Resources
Poster Presentation
 
 

Characterization of wood plastic composite using biodegradable polymer PLA (poly-lactic acid) and pecan shell to improve mechanical properties.

Arias Nava Elias Heriberto (1)*, Sullivan Brendan (2), Valles-Rosales Delia Julieta (1), Díaz Juan M. (3), Yan Yuxin (4), Gao Bonnie (5)

(1) New Mexico State University - New Mexico - USA, (2) New Mexico State University - New Mexico - USA, (3) New Mexico State University - New Mexico - USA, (4) New Mexico State University - New Mexico - USA, (5) Agricultural University of Hebei China - - - China

Reclaimed materials have become a significant research area that seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while improving product recyclability. The production of bioplastics presents challenges in terms of economic feasibility. Recognizing that manufacturing industry produces roughly 33% of all waste generated in the EU alone it is essential to reduce waste and cost, while enhancing performance. The objective of this analysis is to characterize a new composite biomaterial. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer that is produced through the advanced processing of corn/potato starch, or through plants with high sugar levels. PLA and its relevant copolymers have attracted significant attention throughout environmental, biomedical and pharmaceutical applications as alternatives to petro-based polymers. However, some applications require a higher mechanical performance and resistance to hydrolytic/thermal degradation. In addition to composite or fiber-reinforced plastic formation, stereo complexation between enantiomeric PLLA and poly (D-lactic acid) is a promising method for producing high-performance PLA-based materials. Wood plastic composites have demonstrated mechanical, UV resistance, and durability advantages over traditional polymers. This research focuses on enhancing the mechanical properties of PLA by combining pecan shell and the virgin polymer material. Mechanical properties such tensile strength and flexural strength are significant considerations in the biopolymer formulation. As part of the research methodology; rheology analysis was used to test the material. The results of the mechanical testing were analyzed using design of experiments to evaluate the optimal combination of factors that improve the properties of the PLA composite, the factors included in the design were: mesh size, weight ratio, coupling agents, molding temperature, processing time and pre-treatment of materials.