| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7890143 | Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing | 2016 | 7 Pages |
Abstract
Poly(lactic acid) composites filled with algae industrial by-product were prepared using melt-mixing process at filler weight fractions of 20, 30 and 40Â wt%. Algae by-products were after the extraction of alginate (AW) and mixed with diatomaceous earth (DE). The composition and morphology of both fillers were analysed. Composites' mechanical properties and thermal degradation were investigated as a function of filler type and content. The addition of DE-filler at 40Â wt% resulted in the increase of Young's modulus by 20% compared to the neat PLA. The presence of small DE particles improved stress distribution and led to stronger composites as compared with AW-filled. Cold crystallization of PLA was induced by small algae particles. Thermal degradation of all composites started at lower temperatures compared with neat PLA. A glow-wire test was carried out to evaluate the effect of inorganic matter on the ignition of the material.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Materials Science
Ceramics and Composites
Authors
Mindaugas Bulota, Tatiana Budtova,