Forecast on utilization of animal wastes bio-fillers in polymer composites

Name: Chandran, Arulmozhivarman Joseph

keyword: Green composites

LCSH: Polymers -- Additives

; Bio-fillers

LCSH: Polymers -- Biodegradation

; Bio-epoxy

LCSH: Animal waste -- Recycling

LCSH: Polylactic acid -- Additives

LCSH: Fillers (Materials)

Abstract: Global concerns surrounding food industry waste management and environmental sustainability have prompted the exploration of innovative solutions for waste utilization. This thesis focuses on forecasting the potential of discarded bio-wastes, specifically poultry waste (chicken feathers), seafood processing waste (fish scales and seashells), as eco-friendly bio-fillers in polymer composite fabrication. This study aims to reduce the environmental burden caused by millions of tonnes of waste generated by poultry and seafood industries, particularly in countries like Thailand, one of the world's leading consumers of chicken and seafood. By utilizing these discarded wastes as reinforcements in biopolymer matrices, the research promotes a "waste-to-wealth" approach while driving the global shift toward a cleaner and greener society. The primary objective of the study is to reuse chicken feathers (CF), fish scales (FS), and seashells (SS) as bio-fillers in bio-epoxy and polylactic acid (PLA) matrices. Bio-epoxy, with 35 % of its molecular structure derived from renewable plant sources, was chosen as the thermoset polymer due to its superior mechanical properties, thermal stability, and reduced environmental impact. PLA. a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch, was selected for its biocompatibility, versatility, and significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional plastics. The research methodology is divided into three phases. Phase 1 involves the collection and processing of the waste materials into filler particles smaller than 250 microns, followed by a thorough characterization of their chemical, morphological, and thermal properties using techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Phase 2 was conducted in two stages: first, bio-epoxy composites were fabricated using solution casting with varying filler weight percentages (2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 %, and 10 %), followed by mechanical and thermal testing. Based on these results, 2.5 wt % was selected as the optimal filler content for the second stage of PLA composite fabrication, which was performed using twin-screw extrusion and compression molding. The PLA composites were then subjected to similar mechanical and thermal evaluations. In Phase 3, the environmental behavior of both the epoxy and PLA composites was evaluated using water absorption, soil burial, and accelerated weathering tests. Key findings indicate that OF reinforced bio-epoxy composites enhance thermal stability, with initial degradation temperature (Td) increasing by 27 degree Celsius and glass transition temperature (Tg) by 17 degree Celsius. Optimal performance is achieved at 2.5 wt. % filler content, higher levels reduce mechanical strength. FS additions boost toughness and load-bearing capacity, increasing flexural strength by 48 % and impact strength by 115 %, though mechanical properties slightly decline beyond 7.5 wt. %. SS-reinforced composites show exceptional thermal stability (Td up by 32 degree Celsius and Tg by 20 degree Celsius) and flexural strength, making them suitable for high-temperature uses. Environmental tests reveal minimal water absorption (<2.5 %), with CF composites showing the highest uptake (2 %) and SS the lowest (1.2 %). Biodegradability improved with CF and FS (7 % and 2.8 % mass loss), while SS composites showed resistance to photodegradation due to high calcium carbonate content. This research demonstrates that waste-derived fillers such as chicken feathers, fish scales, and seashells can effectively balance durability and biodegradability when used in biopolymer composites. CF and FS in particular, offer enhanced mechanical properties and biodegradability, making them suitable for sustainability-focused applications. SS, on the other hand, provide superior thermal stability, making them ideal for long-lasting, high-temperature applications. By repurposing industrial waste materials, this study contributes to sustainable waste management while reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. The developed bio-composites have potential applications in automotive, packaging, and construction industries, representing a significant step towards eco-friendly, high- performance materials.

King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok. Central Library

Address: BANGKOK

Email: library@kmutnb.ac.th

Name: Suchart Siengchin

Role: dissert advisor.

Email : suchart.s.pe@tggs-bangkok.org

Name: Rangappa, Sanjay Mavinkere

Role: dissert advisor.

Email : mavinkere.r.s@op.kmutnb.ac.th

Created: 2024

Modified: 2568-08-26

Issued: 2025-08-26

วิทยานิพนธ์/Thesis

application/pdf

eng

DegreeName: Doctor of Engineering

Level: Doctoral Degree

Descipline: Materials and Production Engineering (International Program)

Grantor: King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok

©copyrights King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok

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