Preparation, Properties, Protein Cross-Linking and Biodegradability of Plasticizer-Solvent Free Hemp Fibre Reinforced Wheat Gluten, Glutenin, and Gliadin Composites

Abstract

The present study is aimed at evaluating the use of plant-based polymers and fibres for the production of sustainable biocomposites. For the first time, plasticiser/solvent-free hemp fibre-reinforced wheat gluten and hemp-gliadin and glutenin composites were obtained by compression moulding at different temperatures. The plasticiser/solvent-free sample preparation method developed in this study facilitated the use of a powdered protein matrix with a mat of randomly oriented hemp fibres. The tensile and protein cross-linking properties, as well as the biodegradability, were investigated. The addition of hemp fibre to the protein matrix increased the E-modulus by 20 to 60% at 130 degrees C. An increase in moulding temperature from 110 to 130 degrees C resulted in an increase in maximum stress due to the formation of intermolecular bonds between protein chains. The gliadin composites had higher E-modulus and maximum stress and showed a larger increase in protein polymerisation with increased temperature compared to the gluten in composites. A comparison of tensile properties revealed that the composites were stiffer and stronger compared to several similarly produced biobased composites. The composites were found to be fully biodegradable under a simulated soil environment after 180 days. Biocomposites produced in the present study were found to be environmentally friendly with fairly good mechanical properties.

Keywords

Wheat gluten; Hemp fibre; Biocomposites; Compression moulding; Tensile properties; Protein cross-linking; Biodegradability

Published in

Bioresources
2014, volume: 9, number: 3, pages: 5246-5261
Publisher: NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV DEPT WOOD & PAPER SCI

SLU Authors

• Muneer, Faraz

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Newson, William

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Johansson, Eva

  • Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Global goals (SDG)

SDG12 Responsible consumption and production

UKÄ Subject classification

Textile, Rubber and Polymeric Materials
Paper, Pulp and Fiber Technology

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.9.3.5246-5261

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/64176