Poly(vinyl chloride) Composites with Raspberry Pomace Filler

Abstract

This study examined, the effect of chemically extracted raspberry pomace on the thermal stability, mechanical properties, flammability, chemical structure and processing of poly(vinyl chloride). It was observed that the pomace in this study was used to extract naphtha, thereby permitting the removal of bio-oil as a factor preventing the obtaining of homogeneous composites. Furthermore, adding 20% raspberry pomace filler after extraction extended the thermal stability time for the composites by about 30%. It was observed that composite density, impact strength, and tensile strength values decreased significantly with increasing concentrations of filler in the PVC matrix. At the same time, their modulus of elasticity and Shore hardness increased. All tested composites were characterized by a good burning resistance with a flammability rating of V0 according to the UL94 test. Adding 20 to 40% of a natural filler to the PVC matrix made it possible to obtain composites for the production of flame resistant elements that emitted less hydrogen chloride under fire conditions while ensuring good rigidity.

Composites of Poly(vinyl chloride) with Residual Hops after Supercritical Extraction in CO2

“…On the other hand, the band at 1096 cm −1 was associated with the C–C stretch bond on the PVC backbone chain. Other characteristic bands were 968 cm –1 , responsible for C–H wagging vibrations, and 830, 686 and 616 cm –1 derived from C–Cl stretching [ 17 , 46 ]. There was also a distinct band at 1734 cm –1 associated with the acrylic additives used in the PVC mixture.…”

“…An endotherm observed on thermograms in the 45–65 °C range was related to the melting of one of the PVC blend components described in [ 17 ].…”

“…An unplasticized PVC S61 dry blend (Anwil S.A., Włocławek, Poland) with composition described in [ 17 ] was used as the matrix for the composites. Hop residue (H) from supercritical carbon dioxide extraction provided by the Łukasiewicz Research Network– New Chemical Syntheses Institute, Puławy, Poland, was used as the filler.…”

“…Undoubtedly, reducing waste is possible through recycling, and among the many methods, mechanical recycling is the most effective and environmentally friendly: grinding PVC for use as polymer filler [ 7 , 8 ], a polymer blend [ 9 ] or an aggregate substitute in concrete mix [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Another method is to add natural filler from the agro-food industry (agro-waste), thereby supporting biodegradability, renewability and the economy [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. An advantage of these composites is that they can be manufactured using traditional plastic processing techniques, making it possible to form products of different shapes and sizes for use in various industries, such as construction and automotive and in consumer applications [ 13 , 19 ].…”

“…However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no information in the literature about using hop residue as a filler for poly(vinyl chloride) even though our previous work indicated the possibility of using agro-waste as a low-cost and eco-friendly filler for polymer plastics [ 17 ]. In addition, there is still insufficient information about flammability from PVC containing natural fillers, and available studies show that the addition of natural fillers may reduce flame resistance.…”