Development of biocomposites based on cassava bagasse and coconut fiber for substituting plastic pots: Evaluation of physical-mechanical, morphological and structural properties

Abstract

The excessive use of plastic materials has negatively impacted the environment, aquifers, and terrestrial ecosystems, leading to the development of composite materials from natural, renewable sources, and agricultural waste, among others. For this reason, a biocomposite (BM) material was developed from cassava bagasse (CB) with coconut fiber (CF) for application in the production and subsequent replacement of plastic pots (PP). Firstly, thermal, morphological, mechanical, and water absorption characterization of the FC showed that it is thermally stable up to approximately 250 °C. BM was then manufactured from gelatinized cassava bagasse (GCB) with different CF contents (20, 27.5, 35, 42.5, and 50 %) by a mix design using the compression molding technique. In this step, the flexural mechanical properties and water absorption were evaluated, finding a reduction in water absorption and an increase in mechanical properties with 63 % GCB and 37 % CF, due to a higher interfacial bonding between the fibers and the matrix. Consequently, it could be established that FC strengthens BM since the characterization techniques evidenced the formation of new chemical structures and intermolecular bonds. In addition, using two agro-industrial wastes to form the BM contributes to reducing the environmental impact, because they come from renewable sources and are environmentally friendly.