Year: 2014
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), was mixed with wood fibers, coffee grounds, fertilizer and a foaming agent to developed a ecofriendly material to be used in horticulture. The developed materials should have mechanical properties similar to PLA, increasing biodegradability and lower price. The materials were prepared by melt processing in an internal mixer at 190ºC and were characterized by several techniques. The mechanical properties of the bio-composites, measured by flexural tests, were similar to neat PLA even with a reduction of 40 wt. % of polymer. Biodegradation assessment by composting tests in aerobic environment demonstrated that the green materials developed exhibited higher biodegradability than PLA. Bio-composites containing wood fibers and fertilizer revealed to be the most suitable for horticulture application, since these can combine mechanical properties, biodegradability and fertilizer release. Moreover, this green material has two main advantages, it can be prepared using materials from natural resources and does not generate any residue after use.
Authors: M. Oliveira, Carlos Mota, Ana S. Abreu, A. V. Machado, J. M. Nóbrega
Institution: University of Minho
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W310930619