Development and Characterization of a Biodegradable Composite Based on PLA Matrix and Date Kernels Powder

Abstract

In the present study, a biodegradable composite material based on polylactic acid (PLA) and date kernels (DK) is developed by hot pressing. In first, all the raw materials were processed into powders. Then, PLA-50% date kernels (DK) (% vol.) mixtures were hot-pressed at 180°C under 10 MPa pressure during 5 minutes. Microstructural characterization of the obtained composites was performed using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyzes. The mechanical behavior was evaluated through tribological tests and mass loss measurements were also taken. The results show that the developed composite material exhibits a homogeneous microstructure, with a continuous (polylactic acid) PLA- (date pits) DP interface and chemical bonds of PLA and plant fiber interactions. The tribological tests revealed a low coefficient of friction for this material.