Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

This work describes the application of mandarin peel (MP) as a waste filler for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. The main goal was to investigate the impact of the filler's essential oils, which include multiple terpenes and terpenoids, on the processing, physicochemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the composites as a function of different filler content (1 – 10 wt%), as well as its effect on the color and volatile organic compounds emissions of the composites. At small loadings, MP can be considered an efficient filler for wood-polymer composites, enhancing their flowability, tensile strength, and thermal stability. In addition, it may act as a colorant and aroma compound for polymer materials, and can enhance the thermooxidative resistance of composites. The oxidation induction time was increased from 20 min for HDPE up to 62 min for the composites with 10 wt% filler. The research results demonstrate the application of MP not only in the production of highly-filled composites, but also as an additive that significantly enhances the performance of composites at low concentrations.

Authors

• dr inż. Aleksander Hejna link open in new tab ,
• Mateusz Barczewski,
• dr inż. Paulina Kosmela link open in new tab ,
• Joanna Aniśko,
• Olga Mysiukiewicz,
• dr hab. inż. Mariusz Marć link open in new tab