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Use of Nutshells as Fillers in Polymer Composites

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Abstract

Nutshells are agricultural waste products that can be procured at relatively low cost. In this work we examined the possibility of using these biodegradable materials as fillers in poly(lactic acid) and low density polyethylene. The nutshells were ground into powder, blended with the polymer, and then injection molded with final weight varying from 10 to 40 weight %. The mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were then studied. In general, the addition of fillers caused reductions in mechanical properties to varying extents, but thermal properties were only slightly affected. The use of maleic anhydride and peroxide with the fillers had a negative effect on poly(lactic acid) but a slightly positive effect on the stiffness of polyethylene. The results suggested that polymer-nutshell composites may be usable in applications where cost is a concern and where some reductions in mechanical properties are acceptable.

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Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank Kathy Hornback for the excellent assistance with extrusion, Brian Jasberg and Gary Grose for extrusion and DSC trouble-shooting.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1815 N. University St, Peoria, IL, 61604, USA

    Nongnuch Sutivisedsak & Atanu Biswas

  2. Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1100 Robert E. Lee Blvd., New Orleans, LA, 70124, USA

    Huai N. Cheng

  3. San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, Commodity Protection and Quality, 9611 So. Riverbend Ave., Parlier, CA, 92648, USA

    Charles S. Burks, Judy A. Johnson, Joel P. Siegel & Edwin L. Civerolo

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  1. Nongnuch Sutivisedsak
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  2. Huai N. Cheng
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  4. Judy A. Johnson
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  5. Joel P. Siegel
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Correspondence to Atanu Biswas.

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Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the propose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation of endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Sutivisedsak, N., Cheng, H.N., Burks, C.S. et al. Use of Nutshells as Fillers in Polymer Composites. J Polym Environ 20, 305–314 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-012-0420-y

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