Work

Development and Characterization of Pla/bulgur Biodegradable Composites for Liquid Spill Mitigation Applications

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the development and characterization of composite films composed of polylactic acid (PLA) and Bulgur, with potential applications for liquid spill mitigation on road surfaces. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to analyze the chemical structures of the composites, revealing changes in functional group vibrations as the Bulgur content increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided insights into the morphological evolution, showing increased porosity and phase separation at higher Bulgur concentrations. Fluid absorption tests demonstrated that while pure PLA exhibited low water absorption, the incorporation of Bulgur significantly enhanced the composite’s hydrophilic properties, particularly in a 70:30 PLA/Bulgur ratio. The results suggest that PLA/Bulgur composites, with their biodegradable and environmentally-safe nature, offer an effective solution for mitigating liquid spills, with a balance between water absorption and mechanical integrity.

Source: Revista Foco

DOI: 10.54751/revistafoco.v17n11-243

Authors: Ester Costa de Almeida, Tiago José Bandeira Sales, Roberta Helena Mendonça

Institution: Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro

Language: English

Topic: Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico