Wet-laid technique with Cyperus esculentus: Development, manufacturing and characterization of a new composite

Biobased composites were fabricated with waste of tiger nut natural fibers, different binder fibers (lyocell and cotton) and thermo-bonding fibers (PLA, HDPE, PA6-CoPA). These composites were processed by wet-laid process and hot-press molding process. The obtained composites were characterized by flexural, hardness and Charpy impact tests. The internal structure of the composite was analyzed by SEM observing a significant heterogeneity. The high fiber content (80wt.%) and the lack of a continuous matrix phase cause mediocre mechanical response of the material. Thermo-bonding fibers are more influential than the binder fibers. The best mechanical responses were obtained with additions of PLA fibers and thermo-bonding fibers. Flexural modulus was maximum (865MPa) for 80wt.% tiger nut/10wt.% binder fiber/10% PLA fiber composite. [Display omitted] •New nonwoven material with high content of tiger nut waste•PLA has been used as thermobounding; it provides maximum performance against bending.•Composites with high contents of tiger nut residue are apt for technical applications.