Mechanical and Thermal Characterisation of Poly (Ethylene) and Thermoplastic Starch Filled with Keratin Horn Powder from Bovine Claws

Abstract

In this work, composites with two different thermoplastic matrices, a polyethylene and a thermoplastic starch, have been prepared by the introduction of waste from cattle slaughtering, in particular keratin horn powder from bovine claws. The amount of filler used for the purpose was varied from 10 to 30 parts in weight, considering as 100 the amount of polymer. Thermal characterisation indicated that the properties of keratin horn are compatible with the extrusion process adopted. The obtained composites showed some degree of interfacial adhesion between matrix and filler, as confirmed by electron microscopy observation. An enhanced rigidity, with a three-fold increase of stiffness for the introduction of the highest amount of filler in both matrices, was measured. However, brittle behaviour was particularly observed on thermoplastic starch composites.