Title
Polylactide (PLA) Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibrous Filler Recovered from the Biomass of Sorghum Leaves or Stems
Authors
[ 1 ] Wydział Inżynierii Mechanicznej, Politechnika Poznańska | [ 2 ] Instytut Technologii Materiałów, Wydział Inżynierii Mechanicznej, Politechnika Poznańska | [ SzD ] doctoral school student | [ P ] employee
Scientific discipline (Law 2.0)
Year of publication
2025
Article type
scientific article
Publication language
english
Keywords
EN
- composites
- sorghum
- PLA
- polylactide
- mechanical and thermal properties
Abstract
EN In response to environmental pressures and the growing demand for sustainable materials, this study investigates the use of lignocellulosic fillers derived from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) biomass, specifically stems and leaves, as reinforcements in biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) composites. The aim was to assess the effect of filler type and content (5, 10, and 15 wt.%) on the physicochemical properties of the composites. Sorghum was manually harvested in Greater Poland, separated, dried, milled, and fractionated to particles <0.25 mm. Composites were produced via extrusion and injection molding, followed by characterization using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile and impact testing, density measurements, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that stem-based fillers provided a better balance between stiffness and ductility, along with improved dispersion and interfacial adhesion. In contrast, leaf-based fillers led to higher stiffness but greater brittleness and agglomeration. All composites exhibited decreased impact strength and thermal stability compared to neat PLA, with the extent of these decreases depending on the filler type and loading. The study highlights the potential of sorghum stems as a viable, renewable reinforcement in biopolymer composites, aligning with circular economy and bioeconomy strategies.
Date of online publication
08.10.2025
Pages (from - to)
4634-1 - 4634-18
Comments
Article Number: 4634
License type
CC BY (attribution alone)
Open Access Mode
open journal
Open Access Text Version
final published version
Date of Open Access to the publication
at the time of publication
Ministry points / journal
140
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