Work

Polylactide (PLA) Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibrous Filler Recovered from the Biomass of Sorghum Leaves or Stems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: L. Moench) biomass, specifically stems and leaves, as reinforcements in biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) composites. The aim was to assess the effect of filler type and content (5, 10, and 15 wt.%) on the physicochemical properties of the composites. Sorghum was manually harvested in Greater Poland, separated, dried, milled, and fractionated to particles <0.25 mm. Composites were produced via extrusion and injection molding, followed by characterization using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile and impact testing, density measurements, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that stem-based fillers provided a better balance between stiffness and ductility, along with improved dispersion and interfacial adhesion. In contrast, leaf-based fillers led to higher stiffness but greater brittleness and agglomeration. All composites exhibited decreased impact strength and thermal stability compared to neat PLA, with the extent of these decreases depending on the filler type and loading. The study highlights the potential of sorghum stems as a viable, renewable reinforcement in biopolymer composites, aligning with circular economy and bioeconomy strategies.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma18194634

Authors: Ryszard Gąsiorowski, Danuta Matykiewicz, Dominika Janiszewska-Latterini

Institutions: Łukasiewicz Research Network - Poznań Institute of Technology, Poznań University of Technology

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: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137