Physico-chemical study of pistachio (Pistacia vera) nutshell particles as a bio-filler for eco-friendly composites

Abstract

Agro-industrial by-products are an alternative potential source to replace synthetic fibers /filler materials. Pistachio (Pistacia vera) nut processing industries producing Pistacia vera nutshell (PVNS) as waste in large quantity. The nutshells are characterized for the first time towards their Physico-chemical properties like particle size, structural, morphological, elemental, thermal and surface analysis. The thermal stability and degradation temperature of PVNS particles are 240.6 and 274.2 °C, respectively. The pore size and pore diameters are 38 mm3 g-1, 3.626 nm while the surface area is calculated as 0.392 m2 g-1. Thus, the PVNS particle characterization results show the required quality to meet as bio-filler in the polymer matrix to improve the bio-composite properties. Consequently, the agro-food industrial residues of Pistachio shell may be effectively used to develop the valuable ecofriendly practical applications in an automobile application such as car dashboard and doors.