| Abstract | This paper discloses the viability of the formulation, processing, and performance of advanced biocomposites and bioblends based on polypropylene (PP) designed for industrial manufacturing. The PP was compounded with three different types of cellulosic fibers, in a bioblends with polylactide (PLA) as bio-sourced polymer, and in PP/PLA/cellulosic biocomposites. These biomaterials were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical and thermal properties. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, and the heat deflection temperature of the bioblends and the biocomposites presented at least equivalent values comparing with virgin PP and with PP current industrial grades. The extruded biocomposites, foamed in injection molding process, presented similar properties as the unfoamed and reference counterparts while being up to 25 wt.% lighter, up to 50% less expensive, and up to 50% greener. |
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