Hybrid biocomposites based on PLA/pine fiber/CaCO ₃

Abstract In this study, hybrid biocomposites based on polylactic acid (PLA) with (0–40 %) pine fiber (F) and (0–40 %) CaCO 3 (C) were first compounded by twin-screw extrusion, followed by compression molding to determine their properties in terms of tension, bending, and impact, as well as fluidity. In general, adding fillers resulted in improved tensile and flexural modulus (60–105 %) compared to neat PLA. These results were used to optimize the formulation and produce cutlery via injection molding. These samples were further characterized using SEM, FTIR, DSC, and TGA to obtain additional information. SEM images showed that micronized CaCO 3 treated with stearic acid promoted their adhesion with the PLA matrix, as confirmed by FTIR. On the other hand, DSC results showed that the presence of fiber and/or particles had a negligible effect on the transition temperatures (Tg and Tm), but the PLA crystallinity was modified. Finally, the production of cutlery was successfully carried out using optimized formulations and processing conditions, confirming that these materials can be utilized in various food applications.