Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.34187/ko.74.2.2
Sustainable recycling of biocomposites reinforced with Spartium junceum L. fibres
Marijana Pavunc Samaržija
orcid.org/0009-0009-5656-4933
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology, Department of of Materials, Fibres and Textile Testing
*
Matea Tolo
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology, Department of of Materials, Fibres and Textile Testing
Edita Vujasinović
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology, Department of of Materials, Fibres and Textile Testing
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Sustainable development and the imperative of a circular economy, as well as the growing demand for renewable raw materials, have imposed the need for research into efficient recycling procedures for production and/or consumer waste. This is particularly relevant for new, increasingly prevalent structural materials - biocomposites (composite materials in which at least one constituent, fibre as reinforcement or matrix, is biodegradable or of natural origin). Although biocomposites are considered more environmentally, friendly compared to conventional fibre-reinforced composites, their proper disposal and efficient integration into recycling processes still represents a challenge. Recycling approaches for fibre-reinforced composites include mechanical, chemical, and thermal methods, each with its own advantages as well as limitations. While mechanical recycling is often simpler and less energy-intensive, and thermal recycling enables energy recovery from the material, chemical recycling stands out as a method with the potential for simultaneous recovery of both, fibres and polymer matrix in almost original form, thus enabling their reintegration into the new production process. This paper presents an investigation into the possibility of chemical recycling of a biocomposite made from a PLA (polylactide acid) matrix reinforced with Spartium junceum L. fibres, with the aim of defining the most efficient process that ensures satisfactory quality of recovered fibres with minimal environmental impact.
Keywords
biocomposites; sustainability; recycling; chemical recycling
Hrčak ID:
333043
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2025.
Visits: 306 *