Development of crayfish protein-PCL biocomposite material processed by injection moulding. (1st September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Félix, M.; Romero, A.; Martín-Alfonso, J.E.; Guerrero, A.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 78(2015)
• Page Start: 291
• Page End: 297
• Publication Date: 2015-09-01
• Subjects: A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) -- B. Rheological properties -- B. Thermomechanical -- E. Injection moulding; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2015.03.057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8368

Abstract

Abstract: A combination of crayfish flour (CF, with 60% protein) and Polycaprolactone (PCL) was successfully used to prepare biocomposites by a process that consists of two stages: mixing with glycerol (GL) as plasticizer and injection moulding of CF/GL/PCL blends. Mixing rheometry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements were found to be useful to select suitable injection moulding conditions. A remarkable enhancement in mechanical properties was found for PCL containing systems, even when crystalline structure remains unaltered. PCL yields a dominant contribution to the elastic response and confer a higher ability to absorb energy before rupture, but also the protein/plasticiser ratio must be considered.