A New Green Composite Based on Plasticized Polylactic Acid Mixed with Date Palm Waste for Single-Use Plastics Applications

Abstract

Petroleum-based plastic is widely used in almost all fields. However, it causes serious threats to the environment owing to its non-biodegradable properties, which necessitates finding biodegradable alternatives. Here, date palm rachis (DPR) waste was used as a filler (30, 40, and 50 wt%) to form a biodegradable composite with polylactic acid (PLA) and achieve cost–performance balance. DPR–PLA composites were prepared using a melt-mixing extruder at 180 °C by varying mixing time, DPR composition, and plasticizer type and composition. The biodegradable testing specimens were prepared by compression molding and analyzed using physical, thermal, and mechanical characterizations. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated a uniform dispersion of DPR (90 μm) in the PLA matrix. The esterification reaction resulting from this interaction between DPR and PLA was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The 30 wt% DPR–PLA composite was considered the optimal composite with the lowest melt flow index (16 g/10 min). This work confirmed the superior effect of addition of 10 wt% of triethyl citrate (TEC) compared with polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) by the improvement in the elongation at break of the optimal composite from 2.10% to 4.20%. Moreover, the addition of 10 wt% of PBAT to the optimal composite resulted in a lower tensile strength (21.80 MPa) than that of the composite with 10 wt% of TEC (33.20 MPa). These results show the potential of using the proposed composite as an alternative material for single-use plastics such as cutlery.

Thermo-mechanical and degradation properties of naturally derived biocomposites for prosthesis applications: Analysis of the interface pressure and stress distribution on the developed socket

“…69,70 Later on through this porosity and cracks, moisture is introduced and degradation of the samples has been initiated. 71 Similar to the water submerged biodegradability test, FFF biocomposites showed a higher percentage weight loss with a weight loss value of 37.368% and followed by KKK (34.85%) and RRR (25.79%) biocomposites.…”

Pushing the Limits of PLA: Exploring the Power of MWCNTs in Enhancing Thermal, Mechanical Properties, and Weathering Resistance

“…To enhance PLA's degradability, researchers have investigated modifying its microstructure or blending it with other polymers, additives such as chitosan and plasticizers, and inorganic llers [9,10]. Nevertheless, no material has yet been developed for monitoring degradation and structural safety throughout the product's lifetime, while reducing inspection and maintenance expenses.…”

Sustainable Preparation of Graphene Quantum Dots from Leaves of Date Palm Tree

“…), which cannot lead to benefits. Date palm is regarded as a renewable natural resource due to the fact that it could be substituted in a comparatively short time period. − After planting, it takes 4 to 8 years for date palm trees to bear fruit and 7 to 10 years to generate sustainable yields for commercial harvest. , Typically, date palm wastes can be burned in farms or can be disposed of in landfills, which results in environmental contamination in date-producing nations. ,, The main constituents of date palm biomass include lignin, hemicelluloses, and cellulose. , Furthermore, date palm has low moisture content and high volatile solids content. , These factors make date biomass an excellent waste-to-energy resource in the MENA region. Increasing customer needs, environmental deterioration, and energy crisis have forced researchers to search for green, inexpensive, and facile routes to produce innovative and advanced materials using renewable resources.…”

“… 12 , 13 Typically, date palm wastes can be burned in farms or can be disposed of in landfills, which results in environmental contamination in date-producing nations. 11 , 14 , 15 The main constituents of date palm biomass include lignin, hemicelluloses, and cellulose. 16 , 17 Furthermore, date palm has low moisture content and high volatile solids content.…”