Biocomposite of banana fiber, peanut shells from Manabí (Ecuador) and recycled expanded polystyrene

This research involves the development of a thermoplastic polymer biocomposite in a matrix of recycled expanded polystyrene reinforced with banana pseudostem fiber and crushed peanut shells. Six models were produced with different doses, of which the one that obtained the best result was the last one, with a content of 63% EPS, 25% banana fiber (40 mm), and 12% crushed peanut shells (1 to 3 mm). In the bending test, it achieved an MOR of 12 N/mm2 and an MOE of 55 N/mm2; the compressive strength was 8.60 N/mm2; moisture absorption was 10%; and in the thermal conductivity test, it had a value of 0.095 W/m‧k, which means it has an adequate insulating capacity. The values obtained comply with the Ecuadorian standard INEN 3110 for particleboards. This work shows the capacity of the materials used to produce different light, resistant, insulating components that can be used in buildings.