In this work, the evaluation of a post-industrial residue of coffee industry (coffee husk) as organic filler in functionalised linear low-density polyethylene matrix was investigated. The properties of these composites were compared with more widely used inorganic fillers, such as calcium carbonate and SiO 2 . All the composites were prepared by grafting of linear low-density polyethylene maleic anhydride and then by melt mixing of fillers. The rheological behaviour of the compounds during processing was established to evaluate the effects of a nanosized (SiO 2 ), micron sized calcium carbonate and coffee husk fillers. Additionally, thermal, morphological and mechanical properties of the polymer composites were evaluated. The results indicated an increase in tensile modulus and tensile strength resulting from incorporation of fillers in the polymer matrix. Some relevant modifications of melting temperature and crystallinity degree for coffee husk composites were observed, but not observed for inorganic fillers composites. The properties of the composites prepared with coffee husk were comparable to those obtained with inorganic fillers, demonstrating that this coffee residue can be used as filler for obtaining composites for many possible applications.
The purpose of this research study was to evaluate two novel oxygen scavengers based on lecithin and sodium erythorbate using a supercritical fluid methodology to impregnate it in a porous matrix. A zero-order model was used to describe the oxygen absorption kinetics of these absorbers suitable for food and beverage packaging applications. Both oxygen scavengers were competitive compared to commercial available technologies. The absorption rate of lecithin was advantageous compared to erythorbate and other scavengers. This research was foreseen in a prospective study on flexible plastic packaging that it was carried out with the participation of 20 companies.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.