Application of Natural Colorants in Green Polyethylene Composites with Lignocellulosic Fillers: The Influence of Steam Sterilization on Mechanical Properties and Surface Quality

ABSTRACT

The concept of the presented research was to assess the applicability of natural colorants in dyeing biocomposites filled with natural fillers. As dyes, ground coffee, turmeric, couscous and ground paprika were used. Additionally, wood flour and walnut shell flour were added to improve strength parameters. The fillers were not dyed prior to processing, but the pigments were processed with the matrix and the filler. The optical observation and the influence of steam sterilization on mechanical properties were carried out, taking into consideration esthetics and performance of the product. The results showed that natural colorants can be successfully used to dye composites. Low-density biocomposites with increased rigidity were obtained. Composites were characterized by lower tensile strength than neat green polyethylene which was approximately 18 MPa. The high result for tensile modulus was obtained for composition with coffee – it increased to 2045 MPa.

摘要

本研究的目的是评估天然着色剂在填充天然填料的生物复合材料染色中的适用性. 作为染料磨碎的咖啡，姜黄，粗粉和辣椒粉被使用。此外，还添加木粉和核桃壳粉来改善强度参数. 填料在加工前不进行染色，但颜料用基体和填料进行加工. 考虑到产品的美观性和性能，进行了光学观察和蒸汽灭菌对机械性能的影响. 结果表明，天然染料可以成功地用于复合材料的染色. 获得了硬度增加的低密度生物复合材料. 复合材料的拉伸强度低于纯绿色聚乙烯（约18mpa）. 对于含有咖啡的成分，拉伸模量得到了很高的结果-它增加到2045兆帕.

KEYWORDS:

• Green polyethylene
• colorants
• natural fillers
• mechanical properties
• steam sterilization
• surface roughness

关键词:

• 绿色聚乙烯
• 着色剂
• 天然填料
• 机械性能
• 蒸汽灭菌
• 表面粗糙度

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.