Development of composites based on residual microalgae biomass cultivated in wastewater

[Display omitted] •Microalgae ultrasound pre-treatment induces strengthening of biocomposites.•20% wt. polycaprolactone reinforced residual Desmodesmus materials.•Proteins thermal degradation reduced deformability in residual Tetradesmus materials. Ultrasound pre-treatment and protein extraction of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European polymer journal 2021-11, Vol.160, p.110766, Article 110766
Main Authors: González-Balderas, R.M., Felix, M., Bengoechea, C., Orta Ledesma, M.T., Guerrero, A., Velasquez-Orta, S.B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algae
Biocomposites
Biomass
Biomedical materials
Biowaste
Composite materials
Crosslinking
Injection molding
Injection moulding
Mechanical properties
Microalgae
Molds
Polycaprolactone
Proteins
Temperature
Wastewater treatment
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Summary:[Display omitted] •Microalgae ultrasound pre-treatment induces strengthening of biocomposites.•20% wt. polycaprolactone reinforced residual Desmodesmus materials.•Proteins thermal degradation reduced deformability in residual Tetradesmus materials. Ultrasound pre-treatment and protein extraction of Desmodesmus sp. and Tetradesmus obliquus biomass induced residual microalgae/polycaprolactone (PCL) biocomposites with higher viscoelastic and mechanical properties as injection mould temperature increased. This was probably associated to the promotion of microalgae proteins-PCL interactions. The PCL content required, to strengthen the biocomposites, depended on the microalgae system (20 or 10 wt% for residual Desmodesmus sp. (RD) or Tetradesmus obliquus (RT), respectively). Protein degradation was observed in RT-based systems at mould temperatures higher than 100 °C. On the contrary, a greater mould temperature induced thermal crosslinking and certain cell disruption in RD-based systems. These environmentally-friendly biocomposites are an interesting alternative for replacing petroleum plastics.
ISSN:0014-3057
1873-1945
DOI:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2021.110766