Value-added composite bioproducts reinforced with regionally significant agricultural residues. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Solle, Matthew A.; Arroyo, Jesse; Burgess, Macdonald H.; Warnat, Stephan; Ryan, Cecily A.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 124(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: A. Biocomposite -- A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) -- A. Natural fibers -- B. Mechanical properties; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2019.05.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: Biocomposites are potentially sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics and composites for which recycling is challenging. We assess four agricultural residue fibers (AF) in biocomposites with poly-(hydroxybutyrate- co -hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV): (i) hollow stem wheat, (ii) solid stem wheat, and (iii) barley as regionally significant food crop residues compared to (iv) hemp residue as an industrially-relevant control. AF (0 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.%) were compounded with PHBV using two compatibilization treatments: (i) a silane coupling agent vapor deposited at room temperature and (ii) PHBV grafted to the fibers using reactive extrusion ( g PHBV). Flexural modulus and ultimate strength were used to evaluate the impact of fiber fraction and treatments. Modulus increased with increasing fiber fraction, with 30% treated hemp composites having the highest modulus and strength. Hollow stem wheat was most comparable to hemp. The mechanical properties of the different AF-composites occupy a similar application space, indicating potential for robust composite processing using AF.