Mastalmond

Résumé

This project aims to develop new color masterbatches, based on natural waste (almond shell) with biodegradable thermoplastics, replacing mineral and synthetic fibers commonly used. These lignocellulosic fibers give lightness while maintaining adequate levels of hardness and stiffness in accordance with industry standards. Additionally, they are easy to process, what makes them particularly interesting in the field of non-structural composites, both from the economical point of view and also for their lower environmental impact. The developed masterbatches will cover technical requirements for two traditional industries, such as the toy and auxiliary furniture. To achieve this purpose the following specific objectives are aimed: - Physical and chemical analysis of the natural waste (almond shell) for its incorporation into plastic matrices. Determination of the best varieties of shell. Study of suppliers and physical and chemical pre-treatments to the almond shells to enhance compatibility with the polymer matrix. - Process of incorporation and dispersion of almond shells into biodegradable thermoplastic polymers. - Addition of organic and inorganic pigments to the polymer-almond shell compounds to provide color and texture to the different obtained formulations. - Definition of the specifications and design of the final demonstrators. - Process optimization of the incorporation of the obtained masterbatches to biodegradable plastics to meet the technical specifications set by the application sectors involved. - Design of prototype parts and validation as well as optimization of the injection process. With this demonstration, the manufacturers can assess the scope and benefits of the product. The examples will also serve as a starting point for new ideas and own designs. In general, the main output market is attracting new environmentally friendly biodegradable with almond shell resulting in a number of benefits, such as: � Reuse of waste natural / renewable resources (520 tons per year in Europe) reducing the impact of plastic on the environment. � A new market for a product that respects the environment (193 thousand tons in the short term, 2-3 years and 580 long-term, 10 years). � A new target market for agriculture (European market share for the almond within the European Union 12'88 % and 12 % in Spain). � To increase the competitiveness of SMEs in order to create synergy in the bioplastic industry, through the incorporation of bio- plastics in consumer products. � Saving raw materials, material substitution, energy savings and process efficiency.