Potential for using soybean wastes as a filler in low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

ABSTRACT

The improper disposal of polymers of petroleum origin contributes to the increase of environmental pollution due to the long period of time that these materials take to degrade. Thus, the development of polymeric materials reinforced with residues of lignocellulosic materials can provide a better rate of biodegradation to the polymer, as they are materials of natural, renewable and biodegradable origin. In this sense, the objective of this research was to verify the potential of using soybean residue as a filler in low density polyethylene (LDPE) through physical-mechanical characterization. Different soy residue compositions were evaluated in relation to the total mass of LDPE 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. The soybean residue used was chemically characterized to determine the content of extractives, lignin, ash and hemicellulose. The pellets formed by extrusion were pressed at a temperature of 160 ° C without pressure for 12 minutes, where the specimens were obtained for the physical-mechanical tests. After production, they were stored in an air conditioning room with a temperature of 20 ± 2 ° C and a relative humidity of 65 ± 3%, with the determination of apparent density, moisture on the dry basis, total water absorption and subsequently carried out. flexion and traction. Based on the results, it is concluded that the values found for the chemical constituents of the soy residue are satisfactory, since the partial substitution of pure LDPE by the material did not affect the density and tensile strength properties of the material. The increase in the content of this residue also contributes to a greater elongation of the polymer. Thus, it is concluded that it is possible to transform this petroleum-based polymer into a more sustainable material, making some properties even more attractive than those found in pure LDPE.. Keywords: Polymeric materials. Lignocellulosic waste. Sustainability.

Keywords
Polymeric materials; Lignocellulosic waste; Sustainability