OBJECTIVE

We investigate the suitability of the crop side streams for bio-based polymer products in laboratory and pilot scale. The model material will be suitable for export markets. Farmers and processors can have a new income stream from sidestreams. They become more resilient. More value is obtained from the same area of land and more jobs will be created. The developed materials can be run with existing machinery without extra investments. Bio-based and biodegradable materials are sustainable alternatives for fossil-based plastics. Export market product creation enables creation of even more jobs.

SHORT SUMMARY FOR PRACTITIONERS

Bio-composites were produced using agricultural sidestream of a locally available African crops (e.g. faba bean and cowpea), as a filler in a bio-based and biodegradable polymer blend Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate)/ Poly(hydroxy butyrate-co-valerate) (PBSA/PHBV) (85/15). The bio-composites were produced by extrusion. The tensile stress and Young’s modulus of the injection-moulded specimen increased with an increase fibre share. Tensile strain and impact strength decreased with fibre concentration.
Bio-composites pellets processing conditions were shown with injection moulding (Battenfeld Smart Power 60-210, servo hydraulic machine, 60 ton clamping unit, 25 mm screw diameter), also to test specimens according to ISO 527. The processing temperature for the PBSA: PHBV blend (85: 15 ratio) without the fibre were (3x 190 °C) in the screw and 190 °C at the nozzle and the mould temperature of 30 °C. The processing temperature for the samples containing the fibres were from 190 to 195 °C in the screw (195 °C, 195 °C 195 °C), 195 °C in the nozzle and the mould temperature of 30 °C.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Name: Janne Keränen

Address: Koivurannantie 1, Jyväskylä – Finland

Email:  janne.keranen@vtt.fi

Type of partner: RTO

Name of Institution: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd