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Green Composites: Challenges and Opportunities
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Green Composites: Challenges and Opportunities

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Composites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2023) | Viewed by 15290

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Marco Morreale

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering and Architecture, Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy
Interests: green composites and biocomposites; biodegradable polymers; nanocomposites; polymer blends; polymer processing; mechanical behaviour of polymer-based systems; rheological behaviour of polymer-based systems; aging of polymer-based systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Roberto Scaffaro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Interests: polymeric materials; nanocomposites; green composites; polymer blends; polymer engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The current global situation has, once more, dramatically shown that “unsustainable” development can lead to several unexpected and potentially catastrophic consequences. The issues around environmental protection cannot be neglected anymore, and from the point of view of materials scientists, this means that we also have a “moral duty” to focus on more environment-friendly materials and systems. Among the possible pathways, the development and utilization of polymer (and biopolymer) composites filled with natural–organic fillers (biodegradable and/or coming from renewable resources) as a replacement for traditional mineral–inorganic fillers can be of significant help in reducing the use of petroleum-derived, nonrenewable resources and achieving a more intelligent utilization of environmental and financial resources. These systems, known as “green composites”, are now more promising and interesting than before, in the view of finding strong applicability in several fields (automotive, construction, furnishing, etc.), with a further environmental advantage when the polymer matrix is also biodegradable and/or coming from renewable sources. On the other hand, some typical issues can occur, regarding ductility, dimensional stability, and processability, and must be overcome. For these reasons, effort from the research community is required, in order to find the best solutions to those issues, and it is of fundamental importance to investigate new formulations and to refine the processing techniques. The market for these composites is already significant in terms of volumes, and this trend will certainly go on, leading to further reduction of costs and improvements of the quality of the composites, as well as a broadening of the application range if research is able to find those solutions as well as new ideas and proposals.

Therefore, in this Special Issue, we aim at providing an overview of recent developments and new proposals in this field. Reviews, full papers, amd short communications covering the many aspects of the current research on green composites are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Marco Morreale
Prof. Dr. Roberto Scaffaro
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
  • processing of green composites
  • rheology of green composites
  • characterization and structure–property relationships of green composites
  • chemical modification of natural–organic fillers
  • synthesis and characterization of biodegradable polymer matrices for application in green composites
  • polymer–natural organic filler adhesion promoters
  • environmental impact and LCA of green composites
  • industrial and commercial applications of green composites
  • testing of green composites

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 9729 KiB  
Article
Fatigue and Impact Properties of Kenaf/Glass-Reinforced Hybrid Pultruded Composites for Structural Applications
by Thinesh Sharma Balakrishnan, Mohamed Thariq Hameed Sultan, Farah Syazwani Shahar, Adi Azriff Basri, Ain Umaira Md Shah, Tamer Ali Sebaey, Andrzej Łukaszewicz, Jerzy Józwik and Rafał Grzejda
Materials 2024, 17(2), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17020302 - 7 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1469
Abstract
To address the weight, cost, and sustainability associated with fibreglass application in structural composites, plant fibres serve as an alternative to reduce and replace the usage of glass fibres. However, there remains a gap in the comprehensive research on plant fibre composites, particularly [...] Read more.
To address the weight, cost, and sustainability associated with fibreglass application in structural composites, plant fibres serve as an alternative to reduce and replace the usage of glass fibres. However, there remains a gap in the comprehensive research on plant fibre composites, particularly in their durability for viable structural applications. This research investigates the fatigue and impact properties of pultruded kenaf/glass-reinforced hybrid polyester composites tailored for structural applications. Utilising kenaf fibres in mat form, unidirectional E-glass fibre direct roving yarns, and unsaturated polyester resin as key constituents, pultruded kenaf/glass hybrid profiles were fabricated. The study reveals that pultruded WK/UG alternate specimens exhibit commendable fatigue properties (18,630 cycles at 60% ultimate tensile strength, UTS) and fracture energy (261.3 kJ/m2), showcasing promise for moderate load structural applications. Notably, the pultruded 3 WK/UG/3WK variant emerges as a viable contender for low-load structural tasks recorded satisfactory fatigue properties (10,730 cycles at 60% UTS) and fracture energy (167.09 kJ/m2). Fatigue failure modes indicate that the stress applied is evenly distributed. Ductile failures and delaminations during impact test can be attributed to damping and energy absorbing properties of kenaf fibres. Moreover, incorporating kenaf as a hybrid alternative demonstrates substantial reductions in cost (35.7–50%) and weight (9.6–19.1%). This research establishes a foundation for advancing sustainable and efficient structural materials and highlights the significant role of materials design in shaping the future of engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Composites: Challenges and Opportunities)
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16 pages, 4496 KiB  
Article
Study on the Biodegradation of Poly(Butylene Succinate)/Wheat Bran Biocomposites
by Emil Sasimowski, Łukasz Majewski and Marta Grochowicz
Materials 2023, 16(21), 6843; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16216843 - 25 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1819
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a study investigating the biodegradation of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/wheat bran (WB) biocomposites. Injection mouldings were subjected to biodegradation in compost-filled bioreactors under controlled humidity and temperature conditions. The effects of composting time (14, 42 and 70 days) [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of a study investigating the biodegradation of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/wheat bran (WB) biocomposites. Injection mouldings were subjected to biodegradation in compost-filled bioreactors under controlled humidity and temperature conditions. The effects of composting time (14, 42 and 70 days) and WB mass content (10%, 30% and 50% wt.) on the structural and thermal properties of the samples were investigated. Measurements were made by infrared spectral analysis, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and gel permeation chromatography. Results demonstrated that both the thermal and structural properties of the samples depended greatly on the biodegradation time. Specifically, their crystallinity degree increased significantly while molecular mass sharply decreased with biodegradation time, whereas their thermal resistance only showed a slight increase. This resulted from enzymatic hydrolysis that led to the breakdown of ester bonds in polymer chains. It was also found that a higher WB content led to a higher mass loss in the biocomposite samples during biodegradation and affected their post-biodegradation properties. A higher bran content increased the degree of crystallinity of the biocomposite samples but reduced their thermal resistance and molecular mass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Composites: Challenges and Opportunities)
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15 pages, 17149 KiB  
Article
Improving the Thermomechanical Properties of Poly(lactic acid) via Reduced Graphene Oxide and Bioderived Poly(decamethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)
by Giulia Fredi, Mahdi Karimi Jafari, Andrea Dorigato, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris and Alessandro Pegoretti
Materials 2022, 15(4), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15041316 - 10 Feb 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2858
Abstract
Polylactide (PLA) is the most widely used biopolymer, but its poor ductility and scarce gas barrier properties limit its applications in the packaging field. In this work, for the first time, the properties of PLA solvent-cast films are improved by the addition of [...] Read more.
Polylactide (PLA) is the most widely used biopolymer, but its poor ductility and scarce gas barrier properties limit its applications in the packaging field. In this work, for the first time, the properties of PLA solvent-cast films are improved by the addition of a second biopolymer, i.e., poly(decamethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PDeF), added in a weight fraction of 10 wt%, and a carbon-based nanofiller, i.e., reduced graphene oxide (rGO), added in concentrations of 0.25–2 phr. PLA and PDeF are immiscible, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, with PDeF spheroidal domains showing poor adhesion to PLA. The addition of 0.25 phr of rGO, which preferentially segregates in the PDeF domains, makes them smaller and considerably rougher and improves the interfacial interaction. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirms the immiscibility of the two polymer phases and highlights that rGO enhances the crystallinity of both polymer phases (especially of PDeF). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) highlights the positive impact of rGO and PDeF on the thermal degradation resistance of PLA. Quasi-static tensile tests evidence that adding 10 wt% of PDeF and a small fraction of rGO (0.25 phr) to PLA considerably enhances the strain at break, which raises from 5.3% of neat PLA to 10.0% by adding 10 wt% of PDeF, up to 75.8% by adding also 0.25 phr of rGO, thereby highlighting the compatibilizing role of rGO on this blend. On the other hand, a further increase in rGO concentration decreases the strain at break due to agglomeration but enhances the mechanical stiffness and strength up to an rGO concentration of 1 phr. Overall, these results highlight the positive and synergistic contribution of PDeF and rGO in enhancing the thermomechanical properties of PLA, and the resulting nanocomposites are promising for packaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Composites: Challenges and Opportunities)
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10 pages, 3060 KiB  
Article
Hedysarum coronarium-Based Green Composites Prepared by Compression Molding and Fused Deposition Modeling
by Roberto Scaffaro, Maria Clara Citarrella, Emmanuel Fortunato Gulino and Marco Morreale
Materials 2022, 15(2), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15020465 - 8 Jan 2022
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3208
Abstract
In this work, an innovative green composite was produced by adding Hedysarum coronarium (HC) flour to a starch-based biodegradable polymer (Mater-Bi®, MB). The flour was obtained by grinding together stems, leaves and flowers and subsequently sieving it, selecting a fraction from [...] Read more.
In this work, an innovative green composite was produced by adding Hedysarum coronarium (HC) flour to a starch-based biodegradable polymer (Mater-Bi®, MB). The flour was obtained by grinding together stems, leaves and flowers and subsequently sieving it, selecting a fraction from 75 μm to 300 μm. Four formulations have been produced by compression molding (CM) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) by adding 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of HC to MB. The influence of filler content on the processability was tested, and rheological, morphological and mechanical properties of composites were also assessed. Through CM, it was possible to obtain easily homogeneous samples with all filler amounts. Concerning FDM, 5% and 10% HC-filled composites proved also easily printable. Mechanical results showed filler effectively acted as reinforcement: Young’s modulus and tensile strengths of the composites increased from 74.3 MPa to 236 MPa and from 18.6 MPa to 33.4 MPa, respectively, when 20% of HC was added to the pure matrix. FDM samples, moreover, showed higher mechanical properties if compared with CM ones due to rectilinear infill and fibers orientation. In fact, regarding the 10% HC composites, Young’s modulus of the CM and FDM ones displayed a relative increment of 176% and 224%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Composites: Challenges and Opportunities)
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11 pages, 3271 KiB  
Article
Wasted Biomaterials from Crustaceans as a Compliant Natural Product Regarding Microbiological, Antibacterial Properties and Heavy Metal Content for Reuse in Blue Bioeconomy: A Preliminary Study
by Fran Nekvapil, Iolanda-Veronica Ganea, Alexandra Ciorîță, Razvan Hirian, Lovro Ogresta, Branko Glamuzina, Carmen Roba and Simona Cintă Pinzaru
Materials 2021, 14(16), 4558; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14164558 - 13 Aug 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4762
Abstract
The compliance of crab shells traditionally used as a complex natural product for agricultural soil amendment with modern biofertilizers’ quality and safety requirements was investigated. Shells waste from the Blue crab, Callinectes sapidus and the Green crab, Carcinus aestuarii were tested for macronutrients, [...] Read more.
The compliance of crab shells traditionally used as a complex natural product for agricultural soil amendment with modern biofertilizers’ quality and safety requirements was investigated. Shells waste from the Blue crab, Callinectes sapidus and the Green crab, Carcinus aestuarii were tested for macronutrients, heavy metals, bacteria content, and antimicrobial properties. Such information is crucial for further utilization of the biogenic powders for any composite formulation in added-value by-products. The calcium carbonate-rich hard tissue yield was 52.13% ± 0.015 (mean ± S.D.) and 64.71% ± 0.144 from the blue and green crabs, respectively. The contents of Pb, Ni, Zn, Cr (VI), and Cu were several orders of magnitude below the prescribed limit by EU biofertilizer legislation, with Fe, Mn (not prescribed), and As being the most abundant. The content of As and Cd from the material considered here was within limits. The shells contain no colony-forming units of Salmonella spp. and compliant levels of Escherichia coli; moreover, the shell micro-powder showed dose-dependent growth inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In summary, the waste crab shells present a complex natural product as plant biofertilizer following the circular economy concepts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Composites: Challenges and Opportunities)
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