Utilization of Waste Marble Dust in Poly(Lactic Acid)-Based Biocomposites: Mechanical, Thermal and Wear Properties

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this present work was to study the applicability of waste marble dust (MD) in poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based composites. Samples containing up to 20 wt% waste MD were prepared via melt blending. The attention was focused on the investigation of mechanical, morphological, thermal properties and the wear resistance of the PLA/MD composites. Regarding the mechanical properties, both the tensile and the flexural modulus improved remarkably, however, a slight loss was observed in strength and deformability. The impact toughness showed an increasing tendency up to 10 wt% MD loading, which was followed by a marginal decrease at higher concentration. With respect to the sliding wear rate, the composite with the highest MD content showed the best wear resistance. According to the DSC measurements, the MD hampered the chain mobility of PLA, thereby reducing the crystalline ratio. Overall, composites with improved properties were developed, while the reuse of waste MD is expected to reduce the production costs as well.