Elaboration and Characterization of New Polyurethane-Based Biocomposites from Jojoba Oil and Alfa Cellulose Fibers

A series of biocomposites were elaborated by incorporating cellulose fibers, obtained from raw alfa plant, into a new polyurethane (PU) matrix synthesized from jojoba oil. The cellulose content was adjusted between 0% and 50%. To examine their properties, several characterization methods were employed. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed that the extracted cellulose and the polyurethane matrix have high interfacial adhesion. Thermal stability was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). They indicate that the composites remained thermally stable in air up to 265 °C and exhibited glass transition temperatures (Tg) in the range of −38 to −7 °C, depending on the fiber percentage inside the polyurethane-based biocomposite. The corresponding mechanical properties increased with the addition of cellulose, reaching optimal improvement at 40% fiber content.