Sustainable biocomposites from polybutylene succinate reinforced with glochids: Combining waste valorization with improved material properties and accelerated biodegradability

This study presents the development and characterization of novel biodegradable biocomposites composed of polybutylene succinate (PBS) reinforced with glochids, a fibrous agro-food waste from Opuntia ficus-indica fruits. With their naturally barbed surface, glochids offer the potential to enhance interfacial adhesion with the polymer matrix, contributing to improved composite performance. The research aligns with circular economy principles by transforming an abundant byproduct into a functional reinforcement, reducing waste while providing sustainable materials entirely derived from renewable resources with enhanced properties. Biocomposites with different glochids loadings (14, 20, and 30 wt%) were prepared using twin-screw extrusion and subjected to comprehensive physical-mechanical characterization (thermal and FT-IR spectroscopy measurements, morphological analyses, tensile tests) and biodegradability analyses in compost. The addition of glochids resulted in improved mechanical properties, including increased Young's modulus (up to a maximum of ca. 70 % for the most loaded system) and stiffness, with an enhancement in heat deflection temperature (HDT) of over 10 °C, suggesting suitability for high-temperature applications. Moreover, despite the fact that glochids induced an initial increase in hydrophobicity, compost burial tests revealed that the natural filler accelerated degradation within 90 days, demonstrating improved end-of-life performance. These findings highlight the potential of PBS/glochids biocomposites as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics for applications such as packaging, consumer goods, and automotive interiors. By promoting waste valorization, these materials align with the principles of a circular economy, fostering more sustainable production and consumption practices.