Toward the production of biopolyethylene‐based ecocomposites with improved performance: The potential of eggshell particles as an ecological additive

AbstractLow‐density biopolyethylene (BioLDPE) ecocomposites added with particles of eggshell (ES) residue were produced using linear low‐density polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (LDPE‐g‐MA) as a compatibilizing agent. BioLDPE/ES and BioLDPE/ES/LDPE‐g‐MA compounds were processed in a twin‐screw extruder, and the specimens were injection molded. Torque rheometry increased and melt flow index reduced more prominently for the BioLDPE/LDPE‐g‐MA biocomposite with 20 phr ES, suggesting higher viscosity. Consequently, there was a higher level of ES particles breakdown, generating greater distribution and dispersion, as verified in optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images. This finding was supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, considering the intense absorption band at 871 cm−1 for BioLDPE/ES (20 phr)/LDPE‐g‐MA biocomposite, indicating a higher level of ES particles dispersion in BioLDPE matrix. Therefore, BioLDPE/ES (20 phr)/LDPE‐g‐MA biocomposite increased the elastic modulus, tensile strength, Shore D hardness, and heat deflection temperature by 51.4%, 16.9%, 16.4%, and 14, 6%, respectively, related to BioLDPE. Additionally, the flexibility was kept as seen in the elongation at break and impact strength, including not fractured during the impact test. Reported results for the biocomposites are valuable mainly for the polymer additive sector, since the ES has the potential to improve BioLDPE properties, expanding the range of applications.