Eco-Friendly Castor Oil-Based Composite with High Clam Shell Powder Content

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biocomposites

Background:

• Growing demand for sustainable materials in packaging.
• Need for effective utilization of waste materials like clam shells.
• Development of eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize eco-friendly castor oil-based polyurethane composites.
• To investigate the effect of high clam shell powder content on composite properties.
• To understand the role of chemical bonding in enhancing composite performance.

Main Methods:

• Blending of castor oil-based polyurethane prepolymer (COPU) with clam shell powder (CSP).
• Preparation of composites with varying CSP loading (up to 75 wt.%).
• Characterization of structure, microstructure, mechanical properties, and thermal stability.

Main Results:

• Composites exhibited good tensile strength and elongation at break even at 75 wt.% CSP.
• Chemical bonding between COPU (-NCO groups) and CSP (-OH groups) was identified as crucial for desirable properties.
• The study demonstrated the feasibility of creating high-performance biomass composites.

Conclusions:

• Castor oil-based polyurethane composites with high clam shell powder content are viable.
• Effective chemical bonding is key to achieving excellent mechanical properties.
• These composites offer a sustainable solution for the packaging industry, aiding carbon neutrality goals.