Biocomposites: could agroindustrial wastes be used as reinforcements in polymers?

Abstract

The use of agricultural by-products in the production of biocomposite materials is of growing interest worldwide. Mechanical properties and degradation temperature of a biocomposite depend strongly on the characteristics of the selected reinforcement. The present study focuses on the characterization of three lignocellulosic agro-industrial wastes: olive wet husk (OWH), olive pits (OP) and grape stalks (GS), generated by industries of Cuyo region in Argentina. Such characterization comprises proximate analysis, lignocellulosic composition, functional groups, crystalline phases, mineralogical and elemental composition, and thermal properties. The results obtained are of relevance for understanding the final properties of the biocomposites that will be prepared with these lignocellulosic particles, and will allow to determine which of them is the most appropriate for a specific application. This work suggests that OP could have better interfacial interaction with a polymeric matrix.