Process and Recyclability Analyses of Innovative Bio-Composite for Tray

摘要

The originality of the present study is to give complete and pragmatic information associated with the preparation of a totally bio-based composite. It covers the most relevant investigations from analyses of the fibres used as reinforcing elements to the final product acquisition and its recyclability analyses. This study is destined for packaging areas. It demonstrates the three-dimensional formation processes with these new kinds of bio-composites, as well as the recyclable features related to the prepared materials. Thus, several processing parameters were studied and a final tray was prepared. The addition of the fibres gives rise to an increase of the tray stiffness, when a flexible biopolymer is used as a matrix. The prepared bio-composites were recycled several times (10 recycling cycles) and found that they maintain their most relevant characteristics. Thus, such bio-composites can be reused several times. All these data, including a prototype sample prepared as a demonstrator, support the innovative and sustainable character of the packaging materials described.