valorization of bagasse/polypropylene nanocomposites via nanosilica and mercerization treatments

The ever-increasing environmental constraints over waste disposal led us to study the feasibility of valorizing bagasse/ polypropylene composites via nanosilica and mercerization treatments. water absorption and thickness swelling of the nanocomposites improved due to the barrier properties of nanosilica particles. ftir spectra revealed decreased hydroxyl groups as well as carbonyl groups disappearance after alkali treatment. except for impact strength, the combined nanosilica-mercerization treatment could enhance the mechanical performance of the biocomposites. thermogravimetric analysis showed higher degradation temperatures and residual char yields after the combined nanosilica-mercerization treatment. furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the individual mercerization and nanosilica treatments had no distinct effect on the thermal performance of the composites, whereas the combined treatment brought about marked improvements in the given properties, e.g; melting and crystallization temperatures and crystallinity rate. the present study introduces a novel technique to valorize a totally waste-based bagasse/ polypropylene composite material holding a promising potential for various industrial applications.