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Sorbitol glycidyl ether Epoxy/Brewer's spent grain biocomposite for fiberboard applications

Abstract:

The growing circular economy trend encourages re-design or sustainable materials design. Developing biocomposites based on bio-resins and agro-industrial waste has a tremendous impact on these environmental practices. Due to its composition, Brewer's spent grain (BSG) has become an attractive by-product for developing fully bio-based materials for industrial applications. The present study aims to design sustainable fiberboards based on brewer's spent grain and a sorbitol glycidyl ether (SGE) epoxy resin through thermopressing. Experimental characterization and evaluation were performed on the bio-epoxy composite incorporating different BSG amounts (0, 30, 40, and 50% w/w). Results presented a balance-enhanced mechanical performance and thermal stability even on the 1:1 BSG/SGE biocomposite. Scanning microscopy electronic images indicated that sorbitol epoxy-based adhesive occupies the gaps between the BSG fibers. This wetting factor could improve the fiberboards' physical and mechanical properties over commercial MDF products. Consequently, the feasibility of designing sustainable fiberboards incorporating BSG as an ecological raw material becomes evident.