Peanut shell from agricultural wastes as a sustainable filler for polyamide biocomposites fabrication

[Display omitted] Natural fibers reinforcements have gained increasing attention for the development of biocomposites thanks to their biodegradability and renewability. The search for natural-based reinforcements that improve the biodegradation of plastics while maintaining their physicochemical and mechanical properties is a never-ending task. Herein, we report the preparation of new biocomposites based on polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix and peanut shell powder (PSP) reinforcement. The biobased composites were prepared by incorporating different amounts of PSP, from 5% to 20% by weight, and then characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscope (MEB). Results showed that the addition of PSP did not affect the density of PA6. Its crystallinity was unaffected by the addition of 5%, 10%, and 15% of PSP, while it slightly decreases after the addition of 20% PSP. All analyses showed that the matrix kept its structure after adding a PSP concentration up to 15%, while a higher amount resulted in a new structure. Conclusion Results of the present work might open a new way towards the development of efficient biocomposites through the valorization of natural fibers.