Development of green composites based on bio-polyethylene and babassu mesocarp

Crisnam Kariny da Silva Veloso; Lucas Rafael Carneiro da Silva; Ruth Marlene Campomanes Santana; Tatianny Soares Alves; Renata Barbosa

doi:10.1590/0104-1428.20240084

Original Article

Development of green composites based on bio-polyethylene and babassu mesocarp

Crisnam Kariny da Silva Veloso; Lucas Rafael Carneiro da Silva; Ruth Marlene Campomanes Santana; Tatianny Soares Alves; Renata Barbosa

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0104-1428.20240084 Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia, vol.35, n3, e20250032, 2025

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Abstract

Green composites are sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. This study developed composites based on bio-polyethylene (Bio-PE) and babassu mesocarp (BM) (1.5 and 3 phr), using PE-grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) (3 phr) as a compatibilizer. Materials were processed by extrusion and injection molding. BM exhibited starch-rich structure with a maximum degradation peak at 306 °C. PE-g-MA improved dispersion and surface finish, increasing the contact angle by up to 9.06%. Compared to neat Bio-PE, composites with PE-g-MA showed a 44.33% increase in yield stress and a 50.49% rise in ultimate tensile strength. Izod impact strength remained unchanged. Water absorption increased with BM, but was reduced up to 33.57% with PE-g-MA. This work introduces a novel use of BM in Bio-PE matrices, highlighting its potential as a Brazilian, renewable filler for sustainable composites.

Keywords

compatibilization, contact angle, fracture surface morphology, mechanical properties, water absorption

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Development of green composites based on bio-polyethylene and babassu mesocarp

Crisnam Kariny da Silva Veloso; Lucas Rafael Carneiro da Silva; Ruth Marlene Campomanes Santana; Tatianny Soares Alves; Renata Barbosa

Abstract

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Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia