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Revaluation of Guadua Fiber for the Sustainable Production of Recycled Thermoplastic Composites with Potential Industrial Applications and Their Corresponding Life Cycle Analysis

  • 0Facultad de Ingeniería en Mecánica y Ciencias de la Producción, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil 090902, Ecuador.
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March 31, 2025

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March 31, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study developed eco-friendly composites using treated Guadua Angustifolia Kunth (GaK) bamboo fibers and recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE). The optimal formulation enhanced mechanical properties and significantly reduced environmental impact compared to virgin materials.

Area Of Science

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Science
  • Sustainable Engineering

Background

  • Plastics like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are non-renewable and pose environmental challenges.
  • Natural fibers offer a sustainable alternative for reinforcing polymers.
  • Guadua Angustifolia Kunth (GaK) bamboo is an abundant natural resource in Ecuador.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the potential of chemically treated GaK bamboo fibers as reinforcement for HDPE composites.
  • To develop and optimize composite formulations using recycled HDPE (rHDPE) and treated GaK fibers.
  • To evaluate the mechanical properties, thermal behavior, and environmental impact of the developed composites.

Main Methods

  • Composite fabrication using varying ratios of HDPE, rHDPE, and treated GaK fibers.
  • Mechanical testing including tension, flexural, and impact tests.
  • Material characterization via microscopy (SEM), spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), and EDX.
  • Life-cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate environmental impact.

Main Results

  • Treated GaK fibers showed morphological changes and stable thermal behavior during processing (melting point ~133°C).
  • Composites exhibited enhanced Young's modulus (up to 204%) and flexural strength (17.84%), but reduced elongation and impact strength.
  • The optimal formulation (10% cellulose, 50% HDPE, 40% rHDPE) achieved a maximum tensile strength of 17.62 MPa.
  • Life-cycle assessment confirmed a significantly lower environmental impact for the rHDPE-based composite.

Conclusions

  • Chemically treated GaK bamboo fibers can effectively reinforce HDPE composites, particularly when using rHDPE.
  • The developed composites offer a sustainable alternative with improved stiffness and strength.
  • Utilizing rHDPE is crucial for minimizing the environmental footprint of these novel composite materials.