Recycled bio-based composite loaded with olive kernel flour and its mechanical recycling process

Abstract

The present invention consists of producing and improving the technical specifications of a bio-based material by a mechanical recycling process. This material is made of recycled PP reinforced with 50% (by dry weight) of FNO and compatibilized with 5% (by dry weight) of Maleic Anhydride grafted Polypropylene copolymer (PP-g-AM) [PP / FNO / MA-g-PP (45 / 50 / 5)Rec], with improved technical characteristics compared to the original virgin material. The average plastic injection parameters are adapted and optimized with an injection pressure of 4.5 MPa and an injection temperature of 180 °C for the bio-based material PP / FNO / MA-g-PP (45 / 50 / 5)Rec. The resulting new product exhibits a tensile strength of 20.41 MPa and a stiffness of 1948 MPa, as well as a flexural strength of 51.072 MPa and a stiffness of 2535 MPa. The PP / FNO / MA-g-PP (45 / 50 / 5)Rec material retains its chemical structure and FNO / PP interfacial adhesion properties after recycling. The resulting material properties remain significant compared to virgin PP and virgin PP / FNO / MA-g-PP, thus offering improved mechanical performance and reduced environmental impact.