• Slapnik, Janez

Abstract

<strong>Abstract:</strong> In recent years, biocomposites have gained increasing attention in both industry and academia as a promising sustainable alternative to conventional composites. While the application range of biocomposites is continuously increasing, they are still very little used as food contact materials. The aim of the present study was to investigate the suitability of viscose fibres as reinforcement in thermoplastic biocomposites intended for food contact applications. Viscose fibres were compounded into biobased high-density polyethylene (HDPE) using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and test specimens were injection moulded. Biocomposites were prepared using untreated and pelletized viscose fibres and the effect of the addition of compatibilizer and lubricant was investigated. Morphological, mechanical, rheological and migration properties of the prepared samples were characterised. Untreated fibres exhibited a significantly higher reinforcing effect than pelletized fibres due to better dispersion. The addition of a compatibilizer resulted in enhanced interfacial adhesion and fibre dispersion, which was reflected in increased tensile strength. The overall migration of all studied compositions was well below the permitted level, while the addition of a compatibilizer resulted in a strong acidic flavour in sensory tests, which is not permissible in food contact applications. The results showed that viscose fibres are a promising candidate for the preparation of thermoplastic biocomposites for food contact applications.

Topics

• density
• impedance spectroscopy
• dispersion
• strength
• composite
• tensile strength
• interfacial
• thermoplastic