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November 2009 - August 2019
Publications
Publications (94)
This paper describes the effect of two different fillers derived from giant reed (Arundo donax L.), namely fibers and shredded aerial parts of the plant, on the thermal properties of polyethylene-based composites, as the analysis of dimensional stability of lignocellulose-based composites, and its relationship with their thermal diffusivity, has no...
The production of plastics has grown significantly in the last decades, and the trend is expected to continue, depending mainly on increasing demand from various industries, such as packaging, construction, and consumer goods. Today, researchers are looking for new biobased sources to replace fossil fuel-based plastics. Common reed bed along the co...
The growing requirements regarding the safety of using polymers and their composites are related to the emergence of more effective, sustainable, and hazardous-limited fire retardants (FRs). Significant amounts of FRs are usually required to effectively affect a polymer’s burning behavior, while the knowledge of their recycling potential is still i...
The wide range of applications and the numerous advantages of plastics have led to their excessive use, with subsequent damage to ecosystems. As an environmentally friendly alternative, biocomposites have gained much attention, and microalgae have become a potential source for their production. In this study, the use of washed and unwashed Spirulin...
The growing requirements regarding the safety of using polymers and their composites are related to the emergence of more effective, sustainable, and hazardous-limited fire retardants (FR). Significant amounts of FR are usually required to effectively affect the polymer burning behavior, while the knowledge of their recycling potential is still ins...
The waste from banana food production and their use within a circular economy framework are briefly analyzed within this review. Firstly, general information on the economic value of the crop, and its relevance in the economic development of the Canary Islands are presented. Secondly, an analysis on the types of by-products that are generated in ba...
Rotational moulding is a unique low-shear process used to manufacture hollow parts. The process is an excellent process method for batch processing, minimal waste and stress-free parts. However, the process has drawbacks such as long cycle times, gas dependency and a limited palette of materials relative to other process methods. This review aimed...
Dear colleagues,
We invite you to the MANUFACTURING 2024 conference, which will be held in Poznań, Poland, on May 14-16, 2023. The conference will include a Special Session "New perspectives in the development of material solutions and technologies for sustainable polymers and composites". We propose the following topics for submissions, but this...
The non-degradable nature of synthetic plastic waste in the eco-system has led to an increase in the research on more eco-friendly materials. In this context, biocomposites have been developed and microalgae biomass has become an emerging potential source for their production. This study assesses the possibility of obtaining composites made of poly...
This study verified the possibility of recycling polyethylene-based composites with up to 40% of lignocellulosic reinforcement after 5 cycles of compression molding, milling and extrusion. Two forms of filler from the same plant species, Arundo donax L., were studied, namely, fibers and shredded aerial parts of the plant. The properties of composit...
This work aims at demonstrating the potential benefits of using a mineral waste from quarries as a filler of polypropylene (PP) products obtained by rotational molding. A polypropylene matrix was dry blended with the ignimbrite dust (mainly composed of silica and alumina) in ratios up to 30% weight, obtaining well consolidated parts in all cases. H...
This study verified the possibility of using waste material from the food industry (black tea) as functional filler of rotomolded biobased high-density polyethylene-based composites. As part of the experimental work, the influence of the materials preparation, i.e., dry blending versus twin-screw extrusion, on the effectiveness of the stabilizing a...
In the context of rising energy costs and climate emergencies, there is a need to incorporate novel procedures or materials to meet sustainability requirements and increase the efficiency of processes and use of resources. Although rotational molding might seem disadvantageous due to the long cycle times and high energy consumption, its inherent ad...
Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a plant species with a high growth rate and low requirements, which makes it particularly interesting for the production of different bioproducts, including natural fibers. This work assesses the use of fibers obtained from reed culms as reinforcement for a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. Two different ligno...
Rotational molding advantages include the production of a hollow part with no welding lines, either of small or big sizes, with no internal stresses and good surface details. However, the process is limited by the long cycle times, and its related high energy consumption. Different strategies can be followed to reduce such energy use. This work ass...
The incorporation of materials different from the polymer within the rotational molding process usually results in lowered mechanical properties, where impact strength is of particular concern. In order to overcome this issue, multilayer structures of virgin polyethylene (PE) and banana fiber composites were prepared to determine the impact of the...
The range of materials suitable for rotational molding is not as wide as for other polymer processing technologies. An option to reduce the carbon footprint of such materials is to introduce natural fibers, such as abaca. In this work, different loadings of abaca fibers (5 to 20 % by weight) were molded using one, two and three-layer constructions....
https://theconversation.com/la-cana-es-una-especie-invasora-pero-su-uso-controlado-podria-ser-beneficioso-208252
There is the need to widen the available materials suitable to be rotomolded and the increase in their sustainable character. One strategy is the use of bio-polymers, such as PLA, or bio-PE. Another one is the use of fillers, particularly those with a natural origin or coming from side or waste streams from industrial activity. One example of such...
This work describes a systematic method for the analysis of the attrition and residual morphology of natural fibers during the compounding process by twin-screw extrusion. There are several methods for the assessment of fiber lengths and morphology, although they are usually based on the use of non-affordable apparatus or time-consuming methods. In...
This paper shows the change in the perception of the Sustainability and Environmental Technology subject in the students of the degree in Engineering in Industrial Design and Product Development at ULPGC in the last years. The changes made to the teaching project have led to a higher interest of students in the subject as well as an increased impor...
Hybrid Materials (HMs) have a set of advantageous properties over conventional composites, including balanced strength and stiffness, balanced bending and membrane mechanical properties. Such enhanced properties have expanded in recent years the range of HM applications, including the automotive, aerospace, medical, electrical, civil, and marine in...
Polylactide (PLA) is one of the most commonly used biomaterials nowadays, with many recognized benefits, particularly in the packaging and single-use products industries. However, little research has been conducted on its stretching behavior. This work investigates the optimal conditions of biaxial stretching of injection-molded PLA samples produce...
En este artículo, sus autoras analizan el tema de los residuos generados en el cultivo de las plataneras y su posible utilización en el marco de la economía circular. En primer lugar, presentan información general sobre el valor económico del cultivo, y su relevancia en el desarrollo económico de Canarias. En segundo lugar, analizan los tipos de su...
This study assessed the modifications in the properties of compressed polylactic acid (PLA) composites obtained with 20% of two different natural fibers, mainly focusing on the alterations due to a bio-disintegration process. Thermal properties (melting temperature and crystallinity degree), morphology (via optical microscopy), and chemical chang...
This work assesses the possibility of producing composite parts by rotational molding with the blend of polypropylene and silica-based dust, produced as a waste in the extraction of the volcanic stone in the quarries of Gran Canaria island. After obtaining the composite with 5, 10, 20 and 30% w/w loading, by simple dry blending, the parts were char...
This work describes a systematic method far the analysis of the defibrization of natural fibres during the compounding process by twin-screw extrusion. The variation of morphological features such as length, diameter and aspect ratio of natural fibres is analysed by affordable optical scanning methods and opensource software. The use of this techni...
1-, 2-, and 3-layer parts were produced by rotomolding with different loadings of abaca fiber (5-20 %), performing a comparison on the mechanical properties with the fiber content and shots. Rotomolding cycles were analyzed, finding an increase in heating time for all composites. The impact properties are reduced for all composites, while the tensi...
The massive availability of biomass generated by the common giant reed (Arundo donax L.) motivates the search for its possible industrial use for the generation of high added-value products through implementing a biorefinery approach. The literature demonstrates the potential of common cane to obtain different high-value compounds , such as levulin...
The massive biomass availability generated by the common giant reed (Arundo donax L.) motivates the research for its possible industrial use for high-added-value products through a biorefinery approach. The literature demonstrates the potential of common cane to obtain different high-value compounds, such as levulinic acid, oligosaccharides, fermen...
Rotational molding allows for obtaining hollow parts with good aesthetics and properties, having as main drawbacks the lack of pressure and the long cycle times, which limit the range of materials. Different fillers have been introduced in rotomolding to obtain composite materials assessed. This review has shown that glass fibers or particles are t...
This paper focuses on the use of castor oil plant ( Ricinus communis ) as filler in rotomolded parts using polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) as polymer matrixes. The vegetable shredded material was used in 5 and 10% weight following a dry blending procedure and then rotomolded to obtain cube test parts. This material was characterized to...
This work describes an extraction method for giant reed fibers from stems and leaves based on chemical soaking and crushing through a rolling mill. Obtained fibers, together with the shredded plant (stems + leaves), are characterized in terms of chemical composition, thermal stability, morphology, and crystallinity. Mechanical properties of fibers...
This paper assesses the modifications in the properties of rotomolded polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) composites obtained with 5 and 10% giant reed fibers, mainly focusing on the alterations due to a bio-disintegration process. Thermal properties (melting temperature and crystallinity degree), morphology (via optical and scanning electr...
Sediment core samples from high tide lines and in submerged zones as well as surface water samples from eight beaches of Tenerife were analysed. Sampling was conducted over a period of one year in intervals of 5 weeks. The majority of particles were found in the high tide sediment (66%), followed by water samples (23%) and finally in sediment from...
The research work carried out so far indicates the ever wider possibilities and demand for shaping composite products in the rotational molding technology. This trend was the main reason to use waste-based filler from the metallurgical process as a filler for manufacturing polylactide (PLA)-based remolded composites. Copper slag (CS) was introduced...
Opuntia spp. is a plant widely distributed in the world that has traditionally been used in the food sector. Alternatively to the conventional uses of this plant, this work gives an overview of current knowledge about Opuntia fiber, focusing on several papers which have reinforced polymer matrices with this species. Opuntia cladodes are formed by a...
Banana production generates significant amounts of agricultural wastes, being fiber extraction one of the most relevant alternatives for their valorization. This process produces banana’s pseudostem pulp (BPP) as a byproduct, which shows an interesting composition for the biorefinery’s biochemical platform, with high polysaccharides (68%) and low l...
This paper assesses the aspects related to sustainability of polymer composites, focusing on the two main components of a composite, the matrix and the reinforcement/filler. Most studies analyzed deals with the assessment of the composite performance, but not much attention has been paid to the life cycle assessment (LCA), biodegradation or recycla...
The aim of this work is the optimization of phenolic compound extraction from three by-products of banana crops (rachis, discarded banana, and banana’s pseudostem pulp), as a way to valorize them through a green extraction process. The influence of the temperature and aqueous ethanol concentration (Et-OH) on extract properties (total phenol content...
This paper compares the mechanical properties of different natural fiber composites produced by rotational molding as a way of waste valorization from campaigns to control invasive plant species in Macaronesia. Rotomolded parts produced with polymeric matrices (polyethylene) and filled with up to 20% by weight of cellulosic fibers obtained from Aru...
This paper summarises the results obtained from the characterisation of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) plant and fibres. The research is part of a project developed in the Macaronesia region, of which the aim is to demonstrate the feasibility of using biomass from invasive plant species in the composites sector as a way of financing control campaigns...
Some studies have evaluated the use of Opuntia as reinforcement for polymeric matrices, obtaining good results in energy absorption tests and increasing the tensile elastic modulus. However, no studies focusing on the previous characterisation of the fibres and their treatment to improve compatibility with polymeric matrices have been found. This w...
In this study, the fibers of invasive species Agave americana L. and Ricinus communis L. were successfully used for the first time as new sources to produce cytocompatible and highly crystalline cellulose nanofibers. Cellulose nanofibers were obtained by two methods, based on either alkaline or acid hydrolysis. The morphology, chemical composition,...
Banana’s pseudostem pulp (BPP) is a potential by-product obtained in the mechanical fiber extraction of banana’s pseudostem. Its chemical characterization revealed to have an interesting composition, with a high polysaccharides content and low content in lignin, which makes it particularly relevant for the biorefinery’s biochemical platform. Autohy...
Polycaprolactone is a biomaterial widely used for tissue engineering applications. However, its hydrophobicity hinders cell attachment and proliferation on its surface. In this study microcrystalline cellulose has been proposed as a functional filler for polycaprolactone matrices expected to improve these properties. Composite material samples cont...
A fire extinguisher is a portable element designed to fight emerging fires, with a useful life of around 20 years. After this period, they are withdrawn from the market. All their components (shell, hose, and so on) are usually separated and recycled, except the chemical powder used as extinguishing agent, which usually consists at monoammonium pho...
Disadvantages in the use of polylactic acid (PLA) as a base material for Tissue Engineering applications include the low osteoconductivity of this biomaterial, its acidic degradation and the deficient cellular adhesion on its surface. In order to counteract these drawbacks, calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) and β -tricalcium phosphate (Ca 3 (PO4) 2 , β -...
The interest in natural fibre reinforced composites is growing in industrial applications due to natural fibres being an attractive alternative to synthetic fibres. However, it is necessary to improve the fire behaviour of the material because natural fibres have a high combustibility. The objective of this work is to evaluate the fire resistance o...
In this study, polylactic acid‐based (PLA) composite scaffolds with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) were obtained by 3D printing. These structures were evaluated as potential 3D structures for bone tissue regeneration. Morphological, mechanical and biological tests were carried out in order to compare the effect of e...
This paper summarises the results obtained from the characterization assays from century plant (Agave americana L.), determining the chemical composition of different parts of the plant. Fibres were obtained by means of a mechanical device, specifically designed and built for Agave americana leaves processing. Obtained fibres were subjected to ther...
The use of natural fibres allows reducing environmental impact, due to their natural renewable origin and the lower energy needed for their production and processing. This work presents the mechanical characterization of a newly developed technical textile, with banana fibre treated by enzymes, comparing experimental results with numerical simulati...
Different treatments were conducted over Ti6Al4V samples in order to produce a surface modification to increase cell attachment and proliferation. The surface treatments evaluated in this study were as follows: etching with sulfuric acid/hydrochloric acid, oxidizing with hydrogen peroxide and low-pressure oxygen plasma treatment. In contrast to oth...
Although AM technologies have high potential in terms of productivity and competitiveness for companies, their diffusion is still relatively limited among manufacturers and end users. In the context of two European Projects (KTRM and SASAM), this chapter presents an approach of how to transfer knowledge to people working in the manufacturing indust...
In this paper the miscibility of PVDF/PMMA blends was studied using different approaches: experimental tests, thermodynamics and numerical simulation. The first part of this study is devoted to the experimental work and aims to investigate the miscibility of blends by different experimental techniques. First, blends of PVDF/PMMA at different ratios...
Polycaprolactone–carboxymethyl cellulose composites have been obtained and used to print porous structures by material extrusion. The materials used contained 0, 2 and 5% w/w of the carboxymethyl cellulose additive. These structures have been analyzed in terms of their morphology (including the evaluation of their porosity), mechanical properties u...
Among the many environmental problems that exist today, it is studied how to improve the sustainability of the environment and the management of a huge amount of polymer waste. Thanks to its renewable origin, recycling possibilities and biodegradability of its derivatives, natural fibres are suitable as reinforcement of polymeric materials in the i...
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is proposed in this study as an additive in polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices to obtain three‐dimensional (3D) printed scaffolds with improved mechanical and biological properties. Improving the mechanical behavior and the biological performance of polycaprolactone‐based scaffolds allows to increase the potential of t...
The use of fibers into scaffolds is a way to mimic natural tissues, in which fibrils are embedded in a matrix. The use of fibers can improve the mechanical properties of the scaffolds and may act as structural support for cell growth. Also, as the morphology of fibrous scaffolds is similar to the natural extracellular matrix, cells cultured on thes...
This study focuses on the mechanical recycling of polymeric waste that is produced in considerable amount from the cable industry. Every year large amounts of cables become waste; wires recycling has traditionally focused on metal recovery, while the polymer cover has just been considered as a residue, being landfilled or incinerated. Nowadays, inc...
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is herein proposed as additive in polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices to obtain composites with tunable hydrophilicity. This composite material can be obtained by compression molding. The thermogravimetric degradation profile, the FTIR spectra, values of the water contact angle (WCA), water and phosphate-buffered saline up...
This paper aims to study the coalescence phenomenon of two different polymers PVDF and PMMA. The paper is divided in two parts: the first part is devoted to the experimental work, and the second one focuses on the modeling of the coalescence phenomenon. The first step was a physicochemical and rheological characterization. Then, the coalescence tes...
Banana fibers have been extracted by mechanical means from banana tree pseudostems, as a strategy to reevaluate banana crops residues. Extracted long fibers are cut to 45 mm length and then immersed into an enzymatic bath for their refining. Conditions of enzymatic treatment have been optimized to produce a textile grade of banana fibers, which hav...
The fourth dimension in 4D printing refers to the ability of materials to alter its form after they are produced, thereby providing additional functional capabilities and performance-driven applications. Stimuli materials provide this capability through the use of shape memory polymers. For this research, the property of programming the determined...
In the challenging prospect of developing new materials by mixing different polymers to reach a synergetic performance, the present research focuses on the study of the miscibility of two polymers: The acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composed of a dispersed elastomeric (polybutadiene rubber) polymer embedded in a SAN thermoplastic matrix, and...
Digital light processing (DLP) is an accurate additive manufacturing (AM) technology suitable for producing micro-parts by photopolymerization. As most AM technologies, anisotropy of parts made by DLP is a key issue to deal with, taking into account that several operational factors modify this characteristic. Design for this technology and photopol...