Aprovechamiento de residuos del olivar para el desarrollo de materiales compuestos

Abstract

The circular economy it is a key strategy to reduce ecological depletion. It includes the reuse of polymers and the generation of new biocomposites to reduce environmental impact. The region of Jaén, with a large olive-growing area, generates a huge quantity of waste, such as pruning and olive pits. This PhD is concerned about the manufacture of biocomposites reinforced with these wastes. For this purpose, wood and cellulose fibres from olive pruning, as well as cellulose nanocrystals, were used to reinforce a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix improving mechanical properties. Olive pit was evaluated in two polymeric matrices, recycled polypropylene (rPP) and PLA, assessing the effect of its incorporation with two additives in rPP and its impact on the environmental degradation of PLA. This study aims to transfer the results directly to the industry, promoting sustainable solutions and reducing the environmental impact.