Search

Paunch is a fibrous solid residue consisting of partially digested feed from the stomachs of processed cattle. It is the largest untapped solid waste stream from animals at meat processing plants, and potentially a valuable source of fibres for the production of sustainable and potentially higher-value natural biocomposite materials. Paunch was obtained from the waste effluent of a red meat processing plant, and the fibre characteristics of the as-obtained material were studied and benchmarked against wood flour and ground buffel grass, with a view to evaluating the potential of paunch as a fibre for polymer composites. The ground paunch possessed a rough fibrous surface and fibre-like characteristics that were comparable to both wood flour and ground buffel grass, demonstrating their potential for use in composites. Without any pre-treatment or compatibilisation, composites of a representative biopolymer, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and ground paunch were successfully produced for the first time via extrusion, with up to 50 wt% paunch content. Mechanical property analysis showed that, at 30 wt% content, PHBV/ground paunch composites yielded mechanical properties that were comparable to those of composites with ground buffel grass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suitability of three local lignocellulosic wastes i.e. almond shell (AS), rice husk (RH) and seagrass (SG) as fillers in PHB/Fiber composites applications has been studied. PHB/Fiber composites with 10 phr and 20 phr fiber content were prepared by melt blending. The influence of the fiber type (size, morphology and origin) and content on the morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of the as obtained composites has been assessed. To evaluate the potential use in food packaging applications, the barrier performance to water, thermoforming ability and disintegration in controlled composting conditions of the composites were also studied. All the fibers have demonstrated to be apt for their use as fillers in PHB/Fiber composites, showing a reinforcing effect without affecting the crystallinity and the disintegration rate of PHB. The thermal stability and the water barrier performance of the composites were reduced by the presence of the fibers. Nevertheless, the addition of AS resulted in the best balance of properties, in terms of permeability and mechanical properties, finding an enhancement of the thermoforming ability of PHB when 10 phr of AS was added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]