Mechanical Response of Reactive Extruded Biocomposites Based on Recycled Poly(lactic Acid) (R-PLA)/Recycled Polycarbonate (R-PC) and Cellulosic Fibers with Different Aspect Ratios

Abstract

Coupling recycling processes with increased use of bio-derived and environmentally friendly materials, with the aim of approaching (or overcoming) the mechanical properties of petroleum-derived plastics, is a path that research is pursuing in small but important steps. It is in this stream that this paper wants to fit in developing recycled poly(lactic acid) (R-PLA)/recycled polycarbonate (R-PC) blends obtained from thermoforming processing scraps and reinforcing them with cellulosic-derived fibers, having three different aspect ratios. The aim is to understand the mechanical properties of “second life” materials, their adherence to some micromechanical predictive models and the reinforcement capacity of these natural fibers in relation to their dimensions. Moreover, a compatibilizing system, based on Triacetin (TA) and Tetrabutylammonium Tetraphenylborate (TBATPB), has been added during the extrusion to investigate if a reactive process among R-PLA/R-PC and cellulosic fibers can be achieved.