Adding Mandarin Peel Waste to a Biodegradable Polymeric Matrix: Reinforcement or Degradation Effect?

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sustainable Engineering
• Waste Valorization

Background:

• Fruit and vegetable waste presents a significant disposal challenge.
• Utilizing waste streams for material production aligns with circular economy principles.
• Biodegradable composites offer environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incorporation of an endemic fruit and vegetable waste into a biodegradable matrix.
• To characterize the mechanical, rheological, and morphological properties of the resulting biocomposites.
• To understand the relationship between filler content, processability, structure, and material properties.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of biocomposites with varying filler concentrations.
• Mechanical testing (elastic modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break).
• Rheological and morphological characterization.

Main Results:

• Biocomposite stiffness increased by up to 27% in elastic modulus with filler addition.
• Tensile strength decreased by approximately 50% and elongation at break reduced to about 7% at highest filler content.
• Poor interfacial adhesion and filler-induced degradation (due to citric acid/impurities) were identified as key factors.

Conclusions:

• The studied endemic waste can be incorporated into biodegradable matrices, enhancing stiffness.
• Challenges in interfacial adhesion and degradation limit tensile properties.
• Further research is needed to optimize filler treatment and improve composite performance for sustainable applications.