Biocomposite production from waste low-density polyethylene sachets and Prosopis africana pods biomass residue

Abstract

Plastic litter has become a major concern in solid waste management in recent times due to the adverse effect on the environment. In most developing countries, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste bags and sachets constitute a significant portion of plastic wastes that are generated daily, leading to an unnecessary environmental burden that needs to be addressed. In this study, we report the use of Prosopis africana pod particles as fillers in LDPE matrix (obtained from waste plastic sachets) for biocomposite production.  Biocomposites were produced from 150µm average filler size for 10, 20, 30 wt% filler contents, using hand lay-up method. The compression, flexural, impact, and tensile strengths; water absorption and the biodegradability characteristics of the prepared biocomposites were determined using ASTM standards. In comparison with the control sample, the prepared biocomposites samples exhibited 103% improved impact strength of 34.3 J and better resistance to deformation (flexural modulus of 348.9 N/mm2; Young’s modulus of 237.9 N/mm2) at 30 wt % filler content. Biocomposite sample with the 10 wt% gave the highest tensile strength of 8.3 N/mm2. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of the fractured sample shows good adhesion in the matrix.  Findings from this work indicate that valorization of LDPE waste sachet and prosopis pods agricultural residues can be a value-addition, affordable waste management method for producing biocomposites towards indoor applications.