Affiliation:
1. Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Food Technology Rio de Janeiro Brazil
2. Centre for Mineral Technology, CETEM Rio de Janeiro Brazil
3. Postgraduate Program of Chemical Engineering/DEQ, UFRRJ Seropédica Brazil
4. Graduation in Polymers State University of the West Zone, UEZO Rio de Janeiro Brazil
5. Macromolecular Institute Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
Abstract
AbstractIn this research, mango parts (kernel and integument) were loaded into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix by a casting process to develop biocomposite materials. These materials should present improved mechanical and thermal properties and have the potential to be used as environmentally friendly, biodegradable food packaging material with extended shelf life. For this purpose, the research was divided into two parts: step 1, ground materials of a certain particle size from a previous work1 and step 2, which are the materials from Step 1 ground again. The samples were characterized by x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser granulometry, texture tests, and thermal analysis. The difference between them was particle size distribution, impacting the materials' mechanical strength and degradation rate. Three biocomposites were made (PLA/kernel, PLA/integument, and PLA/kernel/integument) in both steps. SEM was used to observe the size distribution of the mango seed and sample morphology. In addition, resistance values increased with the addition of kernel or integument particles. Biocomposite biodegradability was also evaluated. Based on the results of this study, the biocomposites showed high mechanical properties and thermal stability, making them suitable for applications such as food packaging and structural components to help reduce environmental loads and microplastic generation.
Funder
Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária