Affiliation:
1. INCDTP � Division: Leather and Footwear Research Institute
Abstract
Environmental concerns related to the implementation of circular economy has led to the development of new generations of materials. Interest in polymer composites reinforced with natural-organic/inorganic fillers is growing. Producers of polymer composites convert their production to optimize and replace traditional products with new ones with a high content of bio, recyclable materials, for sustainability and responsible actions. Research and industrial awareness are focused on ecological composites based on natural fillers from food production and aquaculture waste due to their low cost and high availability.
This work aims to test �green� dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic polymer composites based on PE/PE-g-MA/EPDM reinforced with functionalized seashell waste, resistant to high temperatures for specific products used in the food, pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Seashell waste contains a high percentage (95-97%) of CaCO3 and will be ground to sizes of 100-500nm and functionalized in controlled conditions by silanization for compatibility with the polymer matrix. These composites will have characteristics such as resistance to microorganisms, at high temperatures for long working time and eco-friendliness derived from the use of seashell waste and the recycling of products injected from these materials. There will be a major impact on society due to the solutions that will be offered for reintegration into the natural circuit by increasing the degree of biodegradability after the end of the products� life cycle.
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