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Evaluation of Poly(lactic acid) and Sugar Beet Pulp Green Composites

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Abstract

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and sugar beet pulp (SBP) were compounded by twin-screw extrusion and injection molded into composite forms. Specific mechanical energy decreased with the addition of SBP during processing. PLA–SBP composites retained more tensile strength than expected based on the Nicolais–Narkis model especially at high levels of SBP suggesting adhesion between SBP and PLA. The thermal characteristics of PLA were not affected by thermo-mechanical processing or by the incorporation of SBP up to 30% weight basis. PLA and PLA–SBP composites had similar tensile properties to other thermoplastic resins and may be used as a cost-competitive replacement.

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Notes

  1. Economic Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 2003.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. ChengKung Liu (ERRC), Michelle Archdale, John Salch, Brain Jasberg, Kathy Hornback, Gary Grose, Dr. Jeff Byars, Dr. Arthur Thompson and Richard Haig for assistance in extrusion, injection molding, and analysis of PLA/SBP composites. V.F. would like to thank Dr. John Lawton for insightful discussions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plant Polymer Research, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, ARS, USDA, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, IL, 61604, USA

    Victoria L. Finkenstadt & J. L. Willett

  2. Crop Conversion Science and Engineering, Eastern Regional Research Center, ARS, USDA, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA, 19038, USA

    LinShu Liu

Authors
  1. Victoria L. Finkenstadt
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  2. LinShu Liu
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  3. J. L. Willett
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Correspondence to Victoria L. Finkenstadt.

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Disclaimer: Names are necessary to report factually on available data. However, the United States Department of Agriculture neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of the product, and the use of the name by the USDA implies no approval to the exclusion of others that may also be suitable.

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Finkenstadt, V.L., Liu, L. & Willett, J.L. Evaluation of Poly(lactic acid) and Sugar Beet Pulp Green Composites. J Polym Environ 15, 1–6 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-006-0038-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-006-0038-z

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